bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in clinical characteristics and disease‐free survival for Latino, African American, and non‐Latino white men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Latini David M. , Elkin Eric P. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Sadetsky Natalia , DuChane Janeen , Carroll Peter R. ,   CaPSURE™ Investigators
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND

Few studies of ethnicity and prostate cancer have included Latino men in analyses of baseline clinical characteristics, treatment selection, and disease‐free survival (DFS). The present study examines the impact of Latino ethnicity on these parameters in a large, multiinstitutional database of men with prostate cancer.

METHODS

We compared baseline disease characteristics and clinical outcomes for Latino (N = 138), non‐Latino White (NLW, N = 5619), and African‐American (AA, N = 608) men with localized prostate cancer by using chi‐square and ANOVA for baseline variables and survival analysis to examine differences in time to recurrence.

RESULTS

Latino men resembled AA men more than NLW on sociodemographic characteristics. AA men had higher Gleason scores and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis than Latino or NLW men (both P < 0.01). 10% of both Latino and AA men presented with advanced disease (T3b/T4/N+/M+) versus 4% of NLW (P < 0.01). Latino men did not receive different treatments than NLW or AA men after controlling for clinical and demographic factors; however, AA men were more likely to receive external beam radiation (OR = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.99–2.31) and hormone treatment (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.05–2.32) then NLW men. For prostatectomy patients, 3‐year actuarial DFS rates were 83% for NLW men and 86% for Latino men versus 69% for AA men (P < 0.01). After controlling for clinical and sociodemographic variables, AA men were somewhat more likely than NLW to experience disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) (HR = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.98–1.94, P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Latinos are more similar to African Americans on sociodemographic characteristics but more similar to NLW on clinical presentation, treatments received, and DFS. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Implementing environmental management systems in industries along the Atlantic coast of Cameroon: drivers, benefits and barriers
Authors: Alemagi Dieudonne , Oben Pius M. , Ertel Jürgen
Published: January 2006

The deleterious impact of industrial activities on safety health and environmental quality has motivated industries to adopt environmental management systems (EMSs). This paper examines the implementation of EMSs in industries that interact with the Atlantic coast of Cameroon, which has been plagued with effluents emanating from industrial activities.

Through a questionnaire based survey that was conducted from January 2005 to June 2005 with all the industries along the Atlantic coast of Cameroon, this paper seeks to address the motivating factors, implementation hurdles and benefits accrued by these industries as a result of implementing EMSs. Although enormous benefits have been accrued as a result of EMS implementation, a plethora of hurdles still persist in the realm of EMS implementation in these industries. Against this background, this paper concludes by prescribing a number of recommendations that could be used to promote the implementation of EMSs in industries that interact with the Atlantic coast of Cameroon. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Enhanced Bioelectrocatalysis Using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs)/Polyaniline Hybrid Systems in Thin‐Film and Microrod Structures Associated with Electrodes
Authors: Granot Eran , Basnar Bernhard , Cheglakov Zoya , Katz Eugenii , Willner Itamar
Published: January 2006

The charge transport properties in composites consisting of pyrene sulfonic acid‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes embedded in polyaniline, PAn/SWCNTs, and polystyrene sulfonate‐doped PAn, PAn/PSS, are compared in thin‐film and microrods configurations. The PAn/SWCNTs and PAn/PSS microrods were prepared by the electropolymerization of the respective components in porous alumina membranes coated with a conductive gold support, followed by the dissolution of the membrane template. The charge transport upon the oxidation of the PAn/SWCNTs planar film or microrods structures is ca. 3.5–4.0‐fold faster than upon the oxidation of the PAn/PSS planar film or microrods structures, respectively. The faster charge transport in the PAn/SWCNTs films and microrods is used to enhance the mediated bioelectrocatalyzed oxidation of glucose in the presence of glucose oxidase (GOx). The bioelectrocatalyzed oxidation of glucose in the presence of the PAn/SWCNTs in the planar film and microrods structures is ca. 2‐fold and up to 6‐fold (depending on the potential) enhanced as compared to the respective PAn/PSS configurations.
Variation of zeta‐potential with temperature in fused‐silica capillaries used for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Evenhuis Christopher J. , Guijt Rosanne M. , Macka Miroslav , Marriott Philip J. , Haddad Paul R.
Published: January 2006

The temperature variation of electroosmotic mobility corrected for the effects of Joule heating (μEOF0) was employed to investigate the variation of the zeta‐potential (ζ) with temperature in fused‐silica capillaries. Experimentally determined values for ζ increased at 0.39% per °C, a rate that is about four to five times smaller than reported previously. Experimentally determined values of ζ were directly proportional to the absolute temperature although values were also influenced slightly by changes to the dielectric constant. It was found that the effective charge density at the inner surface of the capillary was independent of temperature.
Nonstationary electroosmotic flow in closed cylindrical capillaries
Authors: Mishchuk Nataliya A. , Gonzalez‐Caballero Fernando
Published: January 2006

A theoretical model of the EOF and hydrodynamic flow in wide closed cylindrical capillaries, after the application of a stepwise voltage, is developed. Analytical expressions have been obtained as a sum of the solutions for the direct flow and backflow in both periodical and aperiodical regimes with arbitrary pulse/pulse or pulse/pause durations and amplitudes. The numerical analysis, performed for a few types of periodical and aperiodical regimes, shows the qualitative peculiarities of the liquid velocity profiles and its displacement for different numbers of pulses. The obtained results are compared with those obtained in the case of open capillaries. The possibility of the application of aperiodical stepwise regime for the investigation of electrophoresis is discussed.
Rank‐size distribution of teletraffic and customers over a wide area network
Authors: Naldi Maurizio , Salaris Claudia
Published: January 2006

Zipf's law is used to model the uneveness of customers and telecommunications traffic distribution among the geographical areas covered by a nationwide network. Three datasets, relative to the traffic intensity in the telephone network and to the number of Internet customers as recorded on an Italian network, are used to assess the validity of the law. The estimated Zipf parameter is lower than 1 (typical of town population) in all three cases but larger than those observed for population over the same administrative groupings (code areas and provinces). Therefore the largest code areas and provinces account for a larger share of the overall traffic than what their population share would suggest, but far lower than that expected from the popularised 80/20 Pareto rule. Copyright © 2006 AEIT
Remote extinguishing of large fires with powder aerosols
Authors: Krasnyansky Mikhail
Published: January 2006

A new method for distant extinguishing of fire spreading in an extended closed volume such as a mine working, storehouse, subway tunnel, electric cable channels, etc. is proposed. A novel extinguishing agent based on a stable mixture of superfine ammonium phosphate [NH4H2PO4] and modified fumed silica [SiO2–CH3] is supplied to the fire by a powerful ventilator. The properties of the extinguishing agent (average particle size, airborne residence time, distance of transfer by the air stream) have been studied in an experimental chamber (100 m3). A test extinguishing of a large‐scale fire has been performed in an experimental tunnel 180 m in length. Extinguishing agent consumption, dynamics of temperature change over the tunnel length and composition of fire gases were recorded in this test. The influence of foam concentration, addition of nitrogen and halons to aerosol, were also studied. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autologous fibrin matrices: A potential source of biological mediators that modulate tendon cell activities
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Sanchez Mikel , Nurden Alan T , Zalduendo Mar , de la Fuente Maria , Orive Gorka , Azofra Juan , Andia Isabel
Published: January 2006

The use of autologous fibrin matrices has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for the local and physiological delivery of growth factors in the treatment of several clinical conditions requiring tendon healing or tendon graft remodelling. In the present work, we investigated the proliferation, synthesis of type‐I collagen and angiogenic factors by tendon cells seeded on platelet‐rich (PR) and platelet‐poor (PP) matrices. Furthermore, in vivo cellular and vascular effects of each treatment were examined after infiltration in Achilles tendon in sheep. Results showed that the presence of platelets within the fibrin matrices increased significantly the proliferation of tendon cells. Additionally, cultured tendon cells synthesised type I collagen and angiogenic factors such as VEGF and HGF. The synthesis of VEGF, but not of HGF, was significantly higher when platelets were present within the matrix. In the sheep model, the injection of pre‐clotted plasma within tendons increased cellular density and promoted neovascularization. These results indicate that administration of fibrin matrices is a safe and easy strategy that may open new avenues for enhancing tissue healing and remodelling and influences the process of regeneration in clinical situations characterised by a poor healing outcome. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Platelet activation through interaction with hemodialysis membranes induces neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species
Authors: Itoh Saotomo , Susuki Chie , Tsuji Tsutomu
Published: January 2006

The intradialytic activation of leukocytes is one of the major causes of hemodialysis‐associated complications. During hemodialysis, the formation of microaggregates consisting of platelets and neutrophils has been observed to accompany the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by leukocytes. In this study, we investigated the interaction of platelets and neutrophils with hemodialysis membranes in vitro to elucidate the mechanism underlying microaggregate formation and its relevance to leukocyte activation. The production of ROS in neutrophils was induced by the coincubation of neutrophils with polysulfone (PS) membranes, and was increased when platelets were present in the neutrophil suspension. Neutrophils that were incubated with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membranes in the presence of platelets also produced significant levels of ROS, suggesting that the presence of platelets augmented ROS production in neutrophils. Platelets adhered more firmly to hydrophobic membranes such as PS and PMMA membranes than to hydrophilic membranes, such as those composed of regenerated cellulose (RC) or ethylene vinylalcohol copolymer (EVAL). The adhesion of platelets to dialysis membranes composed of different materials was correlated with those membranes' ability to induce platelet activation as assessed by the cell surface expression of P‐selectin. Moreover, coincubation of neutrophils with platelets that had been treated with hydrophobic membranes induced a higher level of superoxide anion relative to those treated with hydrophilic membranes in association with the P‐selectin‐mediated microaggregate formation. These results suggest that platelets activated through interaction with hemodialysis membranes stimulate neutrophils to produce ROS via P‐selectin‐mediated adhesion, and that this property of adhesion to platelets is critical for the biocompatibility of hemodialysis membranes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
A sandwich tubular scaffold derived from chitosan for blood vessel tissue engineering
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ao Qiang , Wang Aijun , Lu Guangyuan , Kong Lijun , Gong Yandao , Zhao Nanming , Zhang Xiufang
Published: January 2006

Many materials have been investigated in blood vessel tissue engineering, such as PGA, PLGA, P4HB. However, chitosan is not mentioned in the arena. This study aimed to develop a chitosan‐based tubular scaffold and examine its feasibility of being applied in this field. Briefly, a knitted chitosan tube was dipped into chitosan solution (2%, w/v) and dried, then its inner and outer surface was mantled with a layer of chitosan/gelatin (4:1, w/w) complex solution, and then freeze‐dehydrated. In vitro characterization showed that the scaffold had a wall of 1.0 mm in thickness with a sandwich structure, and a porosity of 81.2%. The pore diameter was 50–150 μm and could be regulated by varying freezing conditions. The scaffold possessed proper swelling property, burst strength of almost 4000 mmHg, and high suture‐retention strength. After degradation for 2 months, the scaffold could maintain enough mechanical strength with an average mass loss of 18.7%. Vascular smooth muscle cells could spread and grow very well on the scaffold. This study provided a novel method to fabricate chitosan and its complex into a tubular scaffold and demonstrated the feasibility of the scaffold employed in the field of blood vessel tissue engineering. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Biodegradable polyurethane cytocompatibility to fibroblasts and staphylococci
Authors: Harris L.G. , Gorna K. , Gogolewski S. , Richards R.G.
Published: January 2006

Biodegradable polyurethanes have potential for use as implantable devices (orthopedic, maxillofacial, cardiovascular, wound dressing and plastic surgery) because of their controllable elasticity, and the possibility of changing their chemistry and structure. Studying bacterial and cell adhesion to polyurethanes helps to determine surface cytocompatibility and suitability for in vivo trials. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and hTERT human fibroblast cells were used to determine the cytocompatibility of experimental biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) with different hydrophobic‐to‐hydrophilic (pho:phi) content ratios (100% pho, 70% pho, and 30% pho). Poly(L/DL‐lactide) 70/30% (PLDL) and Thermanox were used as control surfaces. Surface characterization using noncontact profilometry, contact angles, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the three PU surfaces, PLDL, and Thermanox® have different properties. On the 100% PU and 30% PU surfaces, hTERT cells spread less in comparison to the 70% PU, PLDL, and Thermanox surfaces. The adsorption of fibronectin to the surfaces had no effect on the adhesion and spreading of hTERT cells when compared to the uncoated surfaces. The trend for S. aureus was the most adhered on the 70% PU and 30% PU, then Thermanox®, followed by 100% PU and PLDL, respectively. The amount of S. epidermidis adhesion followed the trend of the most on 70% PU, then 100% PU, then 30% PU and PLDL, and the least on Thermanox®. These results suggest that the 70% PU surface is cytocompatible to hTERT fibroblasts, while the 100% PU and 30% PU were not. All surfaces encouraged S. aureus and S. epidermidis colonization, particularly the 70% PU. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Optimum loading mode for axial stiffness testing in limb lengthening
Authors: Aarnes Gudrun T. , Steen Harald , Kristiansen Leif Pål , Festø Ellinor , Ludvigsen Per
Published: January 2006

The axial stiffness of the regenerate is an indicator of bone healing after fracture or distraction osteogenesis. The axial stiffness may be assessed clinically by measuring the sharing of load between fixator and limb during loading. The aim of this study was to find out how to perform the stiffness test in order to minimize the influence of confounding factors to the test result. We investigated whether the test score was influenced by two factors: 1) the magnitude of the external load applied to the limb during the test; and 2) the patient's position during the test. The problem was approached by both a clinical study and by theoretical calculations. Thirty‐three patients undergoing leg lengthening were tested regularly during the consolidation period. The stiffness test was executed with both high and low load, and in a standing and sitting position. There were significant differences in results between both the tests with high and low load, and between the standing and sitting tests. This indicated that both the magnitude of force and patient position during the test influenced the test result. Accordingly, these factors represent sources of error and must be taken into consideration when performing an axial stiffness test. The result of the theoretical calculations confirmed the result. We recommend performing the test while the patient is sitting, and to apply no more than 20% of the individual's body weight. It is also recommended that the same load be used in every test, when testing a patient several times during the treatment period. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:348–354, 2006
Cyclin D1 and p21 is elevated in the giant cells of giant cell tumors
Authors: Kandel R. , Li S.‐Q. , Bell R. , Wunder J. , Ferguson P. , Kauzman A. , Diehl J.A. , Werier J.
Published: January 2006

Alterations of cell cycle regulatory proteins, especially those that regulate G1 to S transition, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of human tumors. In previous studies we showed that that there is overexpression of cyclin D1 protein predominately in the giant cell component of giant cell tumors of bone. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms that may be responsible for cyclin D1 accumulation in giant cell tumors. Giant cell tumors have high levels of cyclin D1 mRNA and the giant cell‐enriched population of these tumors have significantly more mRNA and protein expression of cyclin D1 than the mononuclear cell population. The giant cells also expressed higher levels of p21 protein and more p21 bound to cyclin D1 than the mononuclear cells. It is possible that p21 may be contributing to the cyclin D1 accumulation that occurs in the giant cells and perhaps even giant cell formation in these tumors. Additional studies are required to confirm the role of p21 in the pathogenesis of these tumors. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:428–437, 2006
A biodegradable delivery system for antibiotics and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2: A potential treatment for infected bone defects
Authors: Suzuki Akinobu , Terai Hidetomi , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Namikawa Takashi , Yokota Yoshiko , Tsunoda Takanori , Takaoka Kunio
Published: January 2006

To produce an osteogenic and bacteriocidal biomaterial for the treatment of infected nonunions or bone defects, a synthetic degradable block copolymer of poly‐D,L‐lactic acid segments with randomly inserted p‐dioxanone and polyethylene glycol (PLA‐DX‐PEG) segments was mixed with recombinant human BMP‐2 (rhBMP‐2) and antibiotics at high concentration. We then examined the in vitro elution profile of an antibiotic (teicoplanin) from the polymer, the effects of antibiotics on the bone‐inducing capacity of rhBMP‐2 or on ectopic new bone formation induced by the rhBMP, and the ability of the polymer to repair bone in a rat cranial defect model. Approximately 40% of teicoplanin was released within the first 24 h, with the remaining amount released steadily over 21 days with no loss of antibacterial activity. The polymer had disappeared by degradation in the phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) at the end of the incubation period. The in vivo performance of pellets with antibiotics and rhBMP‐2 revealed no significant change in bone yield within the ossicles after 3 weeks. Also, antibiotics had no inhibitory effect on the ability of rhBMP2 to repair cranial defects. Indeed, when the defect was filled by a polymer disc loaded with rhBMP‐2 with or without teicoplanin, the defect was repaired by new bone, and normal anatomy was restored within 6 weeks. In conclusion, the PLA/DX/PEG polymer appears to work as effectively for antibiotics as it does for rhBMP‐2. Additionally, the biological activity of rhBMP‐2 was retained irrespective of the presence of antibiotics. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:327–332, 2006
VEGF, VEGFR‐1, and CTGF cell densities in tendon are increased with cyclical loading: An in vivo tendinopathy model
Authors: Nakama Leena H. , King Karen B. , Abrahamsson Sven , Rempel David M.
Published: January 2006

Tendon injuries can occur in athletes and workers whose tasks involve repetitive, high‐force hand activities, but the early pathophysiologic processes of tendinopathy are not well known. The purpose of this animal study was to evaluate the effects of cyclical tendon loading on the densities of cells producing growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR‐1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP) tendon at the epicondyle. The FDP muscles of nine New Zealand rabbits were electrically stimulated to contract repetitively for 80 h of cumulative loading over 14 weeks. The contralateral limbs served as controls. The tendons at the medial epicondyle insertion sites were harvested, and sections were immunostained with antibodies directed against VEGF, VEGFR‐1, or CTGF. Positive‐staining cells were counted in six regions of interest: three along the enthesis, and three corresponding regions 1500 microns distal to the enthesis. VEGF (p = 0.0001), VEGFR‐1 (p = 0.046), and CTGF (p = 0.0001) cell densities were increased in the tendon of the loaded limb compared to the nonloaded limb. In addition, regional differences in VEGF, VEGFR‐1, and CTGF cell densities were found. VEGF, VEGFR‐1, and CTGF are increased in tendon experiencing cyclical loading and may play a role in the early vascular changes in the progression to tendinosis. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:393–400, 2006
The central ACL defect as a model for failure of intra‐articular healing
Authors: Spindler K.P. , Murray M.M. , Devin C. , Nanney L.B. , Davidson J.M.
Published: January 2006

Intra‐articular soft tissues, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), fail to heal in contrast to the extra‐articular medial collateral ligament (MCL), which undergoes classic healing. The goal of this study was to validate a model for failure of intra‐articular healing that could be used in the future to test new repair strategies. We conducted a two‐part experiment, the first part ex vivo, and the second in vivo. Our initial ex vivo experiments were used to determine the optimal width of the central defect in the canine ACL that would produce reproducible structural properties at time zero. The second experimental series used this optimal scalpel blade width to create a central defect in the canine ACL followed by measurement of structural properties in the ACL after either a 3‐ or 6‐week in vivo healing period. A 3.5‐mm beaver blade resulted in a maximum tolerated load of 56.8 ± 4.7% (mean ± SEM) of control at time zero. After the 3‐ and 6‐week in vivo healing periods, the maximum load was 74.6 ± 5.3 at 3 weeks and 64.9 ± 3.8% at 6 weeks compared to control. Thus, biomechanical parameters tested at 6 weeks after creation of a defect showed no significant gains from defects tested immediately after the creation of injury. The centrally placed ACL defect in this canine model demonstrates failure to mechanically heal, which should prove suitable for future in vivo evaluation of the biomechanical and histological response to tissue engineering repair strategies for intra‐articular soft tissues. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:401–406, 2006
The Last Glacial Maximum in the North Sea Basin: micromorphological evidence of extensive glaciation
Authors: Carr S. J. , Holmes R. , van der Meer J. J. M. , Rose J.
Published: January 2006

Despite a long history of investigation, critical issues regarding the last glacial cycle in northwest Europe remain unresolved. One of these refers to the extent, timing and dynamics of Late Devensian/Weichselian glaciation of the North Sea Basin, and whether the British and Scandinavian ice sheets were confluent at any time during this period. This has been the result of the lack of the detailed sedimentological data required to reconstruct processes and environment of sediments recovered through coring. This study presents the results of seismic, sedimentological and micromorphological evidence used to reconstruct the depositional processes of regionally extensive seismic units across the North Sea Basin. Thin section micromorphology is used here to provide an effective means of discriminating between subglacial and glacimarine sediments from cored samples and deriving process‐based interpretations from sediment cores. On the basis of micromorphology, critical formations from the basin have been reinterpreted, with consequent stratigraphic implications. Within the current stratigraphic understanding of the North Sea Basin, a complex reconstruction is suggested, with a minimum of three major glacial episodes inferred. On at least two occasions during the Weichselian/Devensian, the British and Scandinavian ice sheets were confluent in the central North Sea. Whilst micromorphology can provide much greater confidence in the interpretation of Late Quaternary offshore stratigraphic sequences, it is noted that a much better geochronology is required to resolve key stratigraphic issues between the onshore and offshore stratigraphic records. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activity profiling of deubiquitinating enzymes in cervical carcinoma biopsies and cell lines
Authors: Rolén Ulrika , Kobzeva Vera , Gasparjan Natalja , Ovaa Huib , Winberg Gösta , Kisseljov Fjodor , Masucci Maria G.
Published: January 2006

Ubiquitin specific proteases (USPs) regulate the production and recycling of ubiquitin and are thereby critically involved in the control of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Increasing evidence implicates deregulation of USPs in malignant transformation but there is very little information on the overall and specific activity of USPs in normal and tumor tissues. We have used a chemistry‐based functional proteomics approach to profile the activities of individual USPs in biopsies of human papillomavirus (HPV) carrying cervical carcinoma and adjacent normal tissue. To assess the contribution of HPV proteins, USP activity was also compared in HPV positive and negative cervical carcinoma cell lines and HPV E6/E7 immortalized human keratinocytes. The activity of the C‐terminal hydrolases UCH‐L3 and UCH37 was upregulated in the majority of tumor tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. UCH‐L1 activity was lower in a significant proportion of the tumors but to a less extent in advanced tumors. In accordance with the relatively low UCH‐L1 activity in tumor biopsies, UCH‐L1 was detected only in one out of eight cervical carcinoma lines. UCH‐L1, UCH‐L3, USP7, and USP9X activity was upregulated following HPV E6/E7 immortalization of keratinocytes, suggesting a role of these enzymes in growth transformation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High resolution pHe imaging of rat glioma using pH‐dependent relaxivity
Authors: Garcia‐Martin Maria L. , Martinez Gary V. , Raghunand Natarajan , Sherry A. Dean , Zhang Shanrong , Gillies Robert J.
Published: January 2006

Previous studies using MR spectroscopy have shown that the extracellular pH (pHe) of tumors is acidic compared to normal tissues. This has a number of important sequelae that favor the emergence of more aggressive and therapy‐resistant tumors. New MRI methods based on pH‐sensitive T1 relaxivity are an attractive alternative to previous spectroscopic methods, as they allow improvements in spatial and temporal resolution. Recently, pH‐dependent GdDOTA‐4AmP5‐ and a pH‐independent analog, GdDOTP5‐, were used to image renal pH in mice. The current study has used a similar approach to image pHe in rat gliomas. Significant differences were observed compared to the renal study. First, the relaxivity of GdDOTP5‐ was found to be affected by the higher extracellular protein content of tumors. Second, the pixel‐by‐pixel analysis of the GdDOTP5‐ and GdDOTA‐4AmP5‐ pharmacokinetics showed significant dispersion, likely due to the temporal fluctuations in tumor perfusion. However, there was a robust correlation between the maximal enhancements produced by the two boluses. Therefore, to account for the local time‐courses differences, pHe maps were calculated at the time of maximal enhancement in each pixel. Finally, the comparison of the pHe and the time to maximal intensity maps revealed an inverse relationship between pHe and tumor perfusion. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Testicular development in the complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
Authors: Hannema SE , Scott IS , Rajpert‐De Meyts E , Skakkebæk NE , Coleman N , Hughes IA
Published: January 2006

The complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), caused by mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene, is associated with abnormal testicular development and an increased risk of germ cell malignancy. Previous histological studies in CAIS have selected patients purely on the basis of clinical diagnosis and were mostly based on small numbers, many of whom were post‐pubertal. Here, we present 44 cases of CAIS, each with molecular pathological confirmation of an AR mutation. The median age at gonadectomy was 5.5 years (5.5; IQR 1–13). We have been able, therefore, to investigate testicular development in infancy, childhood and puberty, and estimate the incidence of premalignant change in this series. In addition, we have investigated whether the presence of epididymides and/or vasa deferentia in CAIS, previously shown to be associated with residual activity of mutant ARs, is related to a particular testicular phenotype. Epididymides/vasa deferentia were present in 36% of cases and these patients showed varying degrees of seminiferous tubule maturation at puberty above those without epididymides/vasa deferentia (p = 0.003). There were no other histological differences between these patient groups. In both groups, features of testicular degeneration and dysgenesis were present and germ cell development was delayed, with prolonged expression of the gonocyte markers, placental‐like alkaline phosphatase and activator protein‐2γ. Germ cell numbers rapidly declined after the first year of life (R2 = 0.42). Only two cases of carcinoma in situ were identified in our study and both patients were postpubertal (17 and 53 years). From these results and the literature, we conclude that the risk of premalignant change in germ cells is low before and during puberty. Patients can be advised, therefore, that gonadectomy can be delayed to allow for a natural puberty, with low risk of malignant transformation. Our study only included one patient over 18 years, so we cannot comment on the risk of malignant transformation in later life. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early embryonic demise: no evidence of abnormal spiral artery transformation or trophoblast invasion
Authors: Ball E , Robson SC , Ayis S , Lyall F , Bulmer JN
Published: January 2006

Invasion by extravillous trophoblast of uterine decidua and myometrium and the associated spiral artery ‘transformation’ are essential for the development of normal pregnancy. Small pilot studies of placental bed and basal plate tissues from miscarriages have suggested that impaired interstitial and endovascular trophoblast invasion may play a role in the pathogenesis of miscarriage. The hypothesis that early miscarriage is associated with reduced extravillous trophoblast invasion and spiral artery transformation was tested in a large series of placental bed biopsies containing decidua and myometrium and at least one spiral artery from early, karyotyped embryonic miscarriages (≤12 weeks' gestation; n = 50) dated from the last menstrual period and ultrasound scan dated normal pregnancies (n = 78). Frozen sections were immunostained to demonstrate trophoblast (cytokeratin), myometrium and spiral artery medial smooth muscle (desmin), and endothelium (von Willebrand factor). Trophoblast invasion and individual features of spiral artery transformation were assessed histologically in spiral arteries of miscarriages (n = 176) and controls (n = 246) and analysed statistically using a logistic regression model. Trophoblast invasion of uterine tissues and spiral artery transformation did not differ between euploid and aneuploid early miscarriage and also did not differ significantly from normal pregnancy. These findings suggest that failed trophoblast invasion and spiral artery transformation do not have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of early miscarriage. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dementia care: learning through drama
Authors: McKay Mo , Bright Sarah
Published: January 2006

During 2001 a dementia care project was undertaken by Juliet Kelly, lecturer/practitioner with the Oxfordshire Practice Development Unit. The findings emphasized the need for better communication and an inter‐professional approach.

As one way of meeting these recommendations the Practice Development Unit, in conjunction with the Oxford Deanery, arranged a county‐wide event in January 2003. The event brought together a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of dementia. Over the two days more than 100 people attended and contributed to the learning.

What made this training different was that it was led by a theatrical communication company ‘CragRats’ who specialize in using drama as a vehicle for sharing and learning. A script was developed using the experience and expertise of Oxfordshire staff groups. During the day, scenes were acted out after which multidisciplinary groups were able to tease out and discuss the issues raised. The day proved to be very successful and well received. People said that they left with a better understanding of dementia and a new awareness of the support networks that exist. Many commented that they had gained increased awareness of the impact that dementia has on the family of the person with a dementia and of the importance of collaborative working. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Flexible working practice: celebrating a ‘can do’ approach
Authors: Ormerod Jane
Published: January 2006

There has been a major focus on the recruitment and retention of nursing and midwifery staff in the health service over the past five years in order to deliver and develop an effective service to meet changing health care needs (Scottish Executive Health Department, 2001). A number of initiatives have been used to tackle the problem, among them encouraging staff, primarily managers, to consider a variety of ways to recruit and retain employees more flexibly. In Scotland this has been approached nationally through the ‘Balancing Working Lives: Celebrating a “Can Do” Approach’, initiative steered by the Centre for Change and Innovation (Scottish Executive Health Department, 2003). This initiative involved a number of individual local projects that were supported by the centre and then publicized in a number of conference days in Scotland. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Uniting theory and practice in occupational therapy students' clinical examinations: a pilot study
Authors: Johansson Ann , Björklund Anita
Published: January 2006

The aim of this pilot study was to develop and try out a format for occupational therapy students' clinical examinations in which theory and practice were integrated. Based on the course goals, a work procedure and assessment criteria for the clinical examination were developed. A pilot group of students and supervisors followed the new format for examination and a control group of students and supervisors followed the usual format. The results show that the students and supervisors in the pilot group were satisfied with the new examination format. The students highlighted the importance of reflection in connection with the examination and the opportunity for direct response. The supervisors pointed out the value of connection to theoretical education and stated that the examination increases the status of practical knowledge. However, the pilot study needs to be tried on a larger scale, within several fields of action, and more people need to be educated about assessment. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Proteome analysis of human monocytic THP‐1 cells primed with oxidized low‐density lipoproteins
Authors: Kang Jeong Han , Kim Hyun Tae , Choi Myung‐Sook , Lee Won Ha , Huh Tae‐Lin , Park Yong Bok , Moon Byung Jo , Kwon Oh‐Shin
Published: January 2006

Native low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) possess a wide variety of biological properties, and play a central role in atherogenesis. In this study, we used a proteomic analysis of human monocyte THP‐1 cells induced with oxLDL or with LDL, to identify proteins potentially involved in atherosclerotic processes. Of the 2500 proteins detected, 93 were differentially expressed as a result of priming with LDL or oxLDL. The proteins were unambiguously identified by comparing the masses of their tryptic peptides with those of all known proteins using MALDI–TOF MS and the NCBI database. The largest differences in expression were observed for vimentin (94‐fold increase), meningioma‐expressed antigen 6 (48‐fold increase), serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (40‐fold increase), and beta‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase (15‐fold increase). In contrast, the abundance of an unnamed protein product and phosphogluconate dehydrogenase decreased 30‐fold and 25‐fold, respectively. The expression of some selected proteins was confirmed by Western blot and RT‐PCR analyses. The proteins identified in this study are attractive candidates for further biomarker research. This description of the altered protein profiles induced by oxLDL in human monocytes will support functional studies of the macrophage‐derived foam cells involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Differentially expressed proteins in gastrointestinal stromal tumors with KIT and PDGFRA mutations
Authors: Kang Hyun Ju , Koh Kwi Hye , Yang Eungi , You Kwon Tae , Kim Hee Jin , Paik Young‐Ki , Kim Hoguen
Published: January 2006

Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) have activating mutations in either KIT or PDGFRA. However, a small subset of GIST lacks either mutation. To investigate the molecular characteristics of GIST according to mutation type, protein expression profiles in 12 GIST (2 cases with PDGFRA mutations, 8 cases with KIT mutations and 2 cases lacking either mutation) were analyzed using 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Comparative analysis of the respective spot patterns using 2‐DE showed that 15 proteins were differently expressed according to the mutation status. Expression levels of septin and heat shock protein (HSP) 27 were increased in GIST with KIT mutations and annexin V was overexpressed in GIST lacking either mutation. Among the 15 proteins, overexpression of 5 proteins [annexin V, high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), C13orf2, glutamate dehydrogenase 1 and fibrinogen beta chain] and decreased expression of RoXaN correlated with a higher tumor grade. These findings suggest that differential protein expression can be used as a diagnostic biomarker. Moreover, it may play a role in the development and progression of GIST according to activating mutation type, as these proteins have been shown to be involved in tumor metastasis, apoptosis and immune response.
4th HUPO Brain Proteome Project Workshop in Munich, Germany
Authors: Hamacher Michael , Stephan Christian , Palacios Bustamante Nadine , van Hall Andre , Marcus Katrin , Meyer Helmut E.
Published: January 2006

More than 70 interested colleagues attended the 4th Workshop of HUPO's Brain Proteome Project. The project was presented within nine talks mainly focusing on two running pilot studies as well as on data re‐processing. A bioinformatics jamboree in Hinxton, UK, and the 5th Workshop taking place in Dublin next February were announced.
The HUPO Plasma Proteome Project: A report from the Munich congress
Authors: Omenn Gilbert S. , Paik Young‐Ki , Speicher David
Published: January 2006

The Human Proteome Organization has several major collaborative research initiatives, including the Plasma Proteome Project. A major feature of the HUPO World Congress in Munich in August 2005 was the release of the special issue of PROTEOMICS with 28 articles from the pilot phase of the Plasma Proteome Project. An open Workshop and a presentation in the closing plenary session of the congress focused on next phases for the Plasma Proteome Project.
Synthesis of well‐defined syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) with low‐temperature atom transfer radical polymerization in fluoroalcohol
Authors: Miura Yutaka , Satoh Toshifumi , Narumi Atsushi , Nishizawa Osamu , Okamoto Yoshio , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: January 2006

The copper‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) was studied to simultaneously control the molecular weight and tacticity. The polymerization using tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN) as a ligand was performed even at −78°C with a number‐average molecular weight (Mn) of 13,400 and a polydispersity (weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight) of 1.31, although the measured Mn's were much higher than the theoretical ones. The addition of copper(II) bromide (CuBr2) apparently affected the early stage of the polymerization; that is, the polymerization could proceed in a controlled manner under the condition of [MMA]0/[methyl α‐bromoisobutyrate]0/[CuBr]0/[CuBr2]0/[Me6TREN]0 = 200/1/1/0.2/1.2 at −20°C with an MMA/HFIP ratio of 1/4 (v/v). For the field desorption mass spectrum of CuIBr/Me6TREN in HFIP, there were [Cu(Me6TREN)Br]+ and [Cu(Me6TREN)OCH(CF3)2]+, indicating that HFIP should coordinate to the CuI/Me6TREN complex. The syndiotacticity of the obtained poly(methyl methacrylate)s increased with the decreasing polymerization temperature; the racemo content was 84% for −78°C, 77% for −30°C, 75% for −20°C, and 63% for 30°C. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1436–1446, 2006
Hydrogen bonding interactions and miscibility between phenolic resin and octa(acetoxystyryl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (AS‐POSS) nanocomposites
Authors: Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Lin Han‐Ching , Huang Wu‐Jang , Huang Chih‐Feng , Chang Feng‐Chih
Published: January 2006

We have synthesized a polyhedral oligomeric silisesquioxane (POSS) derivative containing eight acetoxystyryl functional groups [octa(acetoxystyryl)octasilsesquioxane (AS‐POSS)] and then blended it with phenolic resin to form nanocomposites stabilized through hydrogen bonding interactions between the phenolic resin's hydroxyl group and the AS‐POSS derivative's carbonyl and siloxane groups. One‐ and two‐dimensional infrared spectroscopy analyses provided positive evidence for these types of hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition, we calculated the interassociation equilibrium constant, based on the Painter–Coleman association model (PCAM), between phenolic resin and POSS indirectly from the fraction of hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl groups; quantitative analyses indicate that the hydroxyl–siloxane interassociation from the PCAM is entirely consistent with the classical Coggesthall and Saier (C and S) methodology. From a thermal analysis, we observed that the miscibility between phenolic and AS‐POSS occurs at a relatively low AS‐POSS content, which characterizes this mixture as a polymer nanocomposite system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 673–686, 2006
Role of disulfide bonds in modulating internal motions of proteins to tune their function: Molecular dynamics simulation of scorpion toxin Lqh III
Authors: Moghaddam Majid Erfani , Naderi‐Manesh Hossein
Published: January 2006

A series of 1‐ns MD simulations were performed on the scorpion toxin Lqh III in native and disulfide bond broken states. The removal of disulfide bonds has caused hydrogen bond network alteration in the five‐residue turn, the long loop, the α‐helix, the loop connecting strands II and III, and the C‐terminal region. In addition and more importantly, it has influenced the amplitude of the fluctuations of five‐residue turn, loops, and C‐terminal region with a minor effect on the fluctuations of the cysteines in the broken bond sites. These findings suggest that disulfide bonds are not the most important factors in rigidifying their own locations, while they have more important effects at a global scale. Furthermore, our results reveal that disulfide bonds have considerable influence on the functionally important essential modes of motions and the correlations between the motions of the binding site residues. Therefore, we can conclude that disulfide bonds have a crucial role in modulating the function via adjusting the dynamics of scorpion toxin molecules. Although this conclusion cannot be generalized to all peptides and proteins, it demonstrates the importance of more investigations on this aspect of disulfide bond efficacy. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An overview of inherently safer design
Authors: Hendershot Dennis C.
Published: January 2006

Inherently safer product and process design represents a fundamentally different approach to safety in the manufacture and use of chemicals. The designer is challenged to identify ways to eliminate or significantly reduce hazards, rather than to develop add‐on protective systems and procedures. In the chemical process industries, risk management layers of protection are classified as inherent, passive, active, and procedural. Inherently safer design focuses on eliminating hazards, or minimizing them significantly, to reduce the potential consequence to people, the environment, property, and business. Inherently safer design is considered to be the most robust way of dealing with process risk and can be considered to be a subset of green chemistry and green engineering. It focuses on safety hazards—the immediate impacts of single events such as fires, explosions, and short‐term toxic impacts. Many of the strategies of inherently safer design are not specific to the chemical industry, but apply to a broad range of technologies. Strategies for identifying inherently safer options are discussed, with examples. However, for most facilities, a complete risk management program will include features from all categories of layers of protection. Also, the designer must be aware that all processes and materials have multiple hazards and that there can be conflicts among the risks associated with different alternatives. Design alternatives that reduce or eliminate one hazard may create or increase the magnitude of others. Recognition and understanding of these conflicts will enable the designer to make intelligent decisions to optimize the design. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2006