bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal ascertainment of OEIS complex/cloacal exstrophy—15 new cases and literature review
Authors: Keppler‐Noreuil Kim , Gorton Sue , Foo Florence , Yankowitz Jerome , Keegan Catherine
Published: August 2007

Omphalocele‐exstrophy of the bladder‐imperforate anus‐spinal defects (OEIS) complex or cloacal exstrophy (EC), describes a rare grouping of more commonly occurring component malformations [Carey et al., 1978]. The etiology is unknown, but likely heterogeneous. While postnatal identification of its associated gastrointestinal, spinal, and genitourinary systems delineates the extent and natural history of OEIS complex, prenatal findings may provide additional information regarding early detection, possible causative factors, and outcome. The purposes of this study were to: (1) present the prenatal ascertainment of OEIS complex in this series of 15 cases identified through several different sources compared to the literature, and (2) discuss the relationship of these prenatal findings to possible abnormal developmental mechanisms causing OEIS complex. These 15 cases indicate that OEIS complex may be difficult to diagnose prenatally, and that the full extent of abnormalities may not be clear until postnatal exam. Confusion with limb‐body wall complex (two of our cases) and pentalogy of Cantrell (one of our cases) can occur. Anal/gastrointestinal malformations and genital ambiguity are under‐ascertained. Conversely, prenatal defects may resolve postnatally, yet may provide clues for pathogenetic mechanisms. For instance, the finding of nuchal thickening in our three cases (one reported) suggests vascular/hemodynamic compromise early in embryologic development, or intrathoracic compression leading to jugular lymphatic obstruction may play a role. The association of twinning and OEIS complex suggests they may occur as early as blastogenesis. Our three sets of discordant twins also suggest a non‐genetic etiology for OEIS complex of uteroplacental insufficiency. This study also indicates that OEIS complex may be more common than previously thought. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dehydrosteroid measurements in maternal urine or serum for the prenatal diagnosis of Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS)
Authors: Shackleton Cedric H.L. , Marcos Josep , Palomaki Glenn E. , Craig Wendy Y. , Kelley Richard I. , Kratz Lisa E. , Haddow James E.
Published: August 2007

In a large multi‐center trial involving prenatal screening for Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS), we evaluated maternal urine and serum steroid analysis as a non‐invasive diagnostic alternative to amniotic fluid sterol analysis. Candidate steroid ratios included: 7‐dehydropregnanetriol/pregnanetriol (7‐PT/PT), 8‐dehydropregnanetriol/PT (8‐PT/PT), the sum of these two (7 + 8‐PT/PT), and dehydroestriol/estriol (DHE3/E3). Results are presented from 19 SLOS pregnancies, and 732 reference pregnancies that were screen positive for SLOS but negative on testing in amniotic fluid. Steroid ratios are expressed as multiples of the 75th centile (MoS), rather than multiples of the median, as most reference measurements were undetectable. All four urine ratios were available in 12 SLOS pregnancies; the median 7‐PT/PT MoS was 94, with no overlap between affected and reference pregnancies in the second trimester. The separation between these groups increased by 27% per week. The other three ratios performed similarly in urine, with (7 + 8)‐PT/PT ratios being marginally superior, due to fewer high reference outliers. All four steroid ratios in urine were diagnostic for SLOS between 14 and 22 weeks' gestation. In six SLOS pregnancies in which all serum analytes were measured, the median 7‐PT/PT MoS was 71, and there was slight overlap in the second trimester. The separation increased by 28% per week. Steroid ratios in serum were less definitive than in urine but might be useful in certain circumstances, at 14 weeks gestation or later. Urine testing performance prior to 14 weeks gestation appears promising, but reference data are sparse. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distal 3p deletion syndrome: Detailed molecular cytogenetic and clinical characterization of three small distal deletions and review
Authors: Malmgren Helena , Sahlén Sigrid , Wide Katarina , Lundvall Mikael , Blennow Elisabeth
Published: August 2007

The distal 3p deletion syndrome is characterized by developmental delay, low birth weight and growth retardation, micro‐ and brachycephaly, ptosis, long philtrum, micrognathia, and low set ears. We have used FISH and BACs in order to map three 3p deletions in detail at the molecular level. The deletions were 10.2–11 Mb in size and encompassed 47–51 known genes, including the VHL gene. One of the deletions was interstitial, with an intact 3p telomere. In nine previously published patients with 3p deletions, the size of the deletion was estimated using molecular or molecular cytogenetic techniques. The genotype, including genes of interest, and the phenotype of these cases are compared and discussed. The localization of the proximal breakpoint in one of our patients suggests that the previously identified critical region for heart defects may be narrowed down, now containing three candidate genes. We can also conclude that deletion of the gene ATP2B2 alone is not enough to cause hearing impairment, which is frequently found in patients with 3p deletion. This is the third reported case with an interstitial deletion of distal 3p. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone morphogenetic proteins promote gliosis in demyelinating spinal cord lesions
Authors: Fuller Molly L. , DeChant Anne K. , Rothstein Brian , Caprariello Andrew , Wang Rae , Hall Alison K. , Miller Robert H.
Published: August 2007

Objective

To determine the role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in stimulating glial scar formation in demyelinating lesions of the adult spinal cord.

Methods

The dorsal columns of adult rats were injected with lysolecithin to induce a local demyelinating lesion. Levels of BMP4 and BMP7 proteins were assayed and compared with glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the injury area. BMP‐responsive cells were identified by expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. Cultures of mature spinal cord astrocytes were treated with BMP4, and levels of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) were measured. The effect of BMP4 on CSPG gene regulation was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for CSPG core proteins.

Results

BMP4 and BMP7 increase rapidly at the site of demyelination, and astrocytes surrounding the lesion increase expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. Cultured mature astrocytes respond directly to BMPs with Smad1 translocation to the nucleus, increased phosphorylated Smad1/5/8, and increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein and CSPG expression. BMP treatment also increased CSPG messenger RNA for CSPG core proteins, including aggrecan and neurocan. Increases in CSPG expression in astrocytes by BMPs were blocked by the inhibitor noggin. Injections of BMP4 or BMP7 into the dorsal columns in the absence of demyelination led to increases in CSPG expression.

Interpretation

Local increases in BMPs at the site of a demyelinating lesion causes upregulation of gliosis, glial scar formation, and heightened expression of CSPGs such as neurocan and aggrecan that may inhibit remyelination. Ann Neurol 2007
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection of the developing brain: critical role of host age
Authors: Bonthius Daniel J. , Nichols Brent , Harb Harb , Mahoney Jo , Karacay Bahri
Published: August 2007

Objective

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a common human pathogen that causes substantial injury to the developing brain when the infection occurs during pregnancy. However, among children with congenital LCMV infection, there is considerable variability in the site, nature, and severity of neuropathology and in the clinical outcome. We hypothesize that the variability in neuropathology and outcome is due to differences in the gestational timing of LCMV infection.

Methods

We utilized an animal model of human congenital LCMV infection, in which developing rat pups were inoculated with LCMV at a series of postnatal ages, including postnatal days 1, 4, 6, 10, 21, 30, and 60. Cellular targets of infection were determined immunohistochemically, viral titers were determined by plaque assay, and pathology was determined by histological analysis, neuronal quantification, and immunostaining for lymphocytic subclasses.

Results

Host age at the time of infection profoundly affected the cellular targets of infection, maximal viral titers, immune response to the viral infection, and the severity, nature, and location of the neuropathology. All of the pathological changes observed in children with congenital LCMV infection were reproduced in the rat model by infecting the rat pups at different ages.

Interpretation

The effect of LCMV infection on the developing brain strongly depends on host age at the time of infection. Much of the variability in neuropathology and outcome among children with congenital LCMV infection probably depends on the gestational age at which the infection occurs. Ann Neurol 2007
A new indicator for determining the fast chemical reaction stage of CaO carbonation with CO2
Authors: Wang Baowen , Zheng Ying , Yan Rong , Zheng Chuguang , Shao Jingai , Qiu Jianrong
Published: August 2007

The carbonation reaction of CaO with CO2 mainly consists of two stages: the fast surface chemical reaction stage and the ensuing product layer diffusion control stage. The determination of the former stage is very important for an efficient capture of CO2 using multiple cyclic calcination and carbonation reactions (CCRs) method. The CaO carbonation with CO2 and the product layer thickness of CaCO3 produced were numerically simulated using Bhatia's unified random pore model (URPM) and four equations developed for estimating product layer thickness. Analysis of the numerical results indicated large discrepancies of the product layer thickness computed from the four methods, showing that it might not be suitable to determine the fast chemical reaction stage based only on the product layer thickness. The concentration profile of the reaction reactant (CO2) (vs) reaction time should be a direct indicator of the reaction extent. It was also found that the changing tendencies of the overall CO2 dimensionless concentration inside the CaO particle and the overall carbonation reaction rate (vs) reaction time coincided at the same time, both decreasing towards zero. It shows that the latter (reaction rate) can also be considered to determine the completion of the fast chemical reaction stage, the same as the former (CO2 concentration in CaO particles). Furthermore, the reaction rate can be experimentally determined separately for the two indicators (product layer thickness and CO2 concentration). Therefore, the overall reaction rate was suggested as a new and feasible indicator to determine the fast chemical reaction stage of CaO with CO2. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of cotton yarns after slack swelling and stretching in presence or absence of alkali. II
Authors: Anita Hebsiba G. , Thambidurai S.
Published: August 2007

An investigation on the properties of solution‐stretched ring spun and rotor spun cotton yarns at regular time intervals was made. Significant changes in the properties of these yarns are observed. The changes in fine structure are evaluated by means of infra red spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction methods. Ring spun cotton yarns exhibit better abrasion resistance than do rotor spun yarns. Abrasion resistance of NS‐ring and rotor spun yarns is higher than their counter parts. WS‐ring spun yarns are characterized by higher compression values, explaining the softness produced by the stretching treatment. The dyeability of the treated yarns is also studied with reactive dye, and the color values are found to be significantly greater for WS‐ring and rotor spun yarns. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Effects of molecular structural parameters of carboxymethyl chitosan on the growth of fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Wang Ye , Chen Xi Guang , Lv Ying Hui , Zhou Hui Yun , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2007

A series of carboxymethyl chitosan samples (CMCHs) with different molecular structural parameters were synthesized to estimate their different influences on the growth of fibroblasts. All the CMCHs stimulated the fibroblasts proliferation and CMCHs with different molecular weight (MW) had the similar effect on fibroblasts proliferation. The least concentration for CMCHs (the degree of deacetylation, DD 70.3–79.9%, the degree of substitution, DS 1.12–1.26) exhibiting acceleratory effect on fibroblasts proliferation was 50 μg mL−1. As the DD increased from 70.3 to 93.6%, CMCH's ability of stimulating fibroblasts proliferation increased significantly. CMCH possessed much higher proliferation rate with the DS increasing to 2.39. CM40 with 92.4% DD and 2.39 DS had the strongest acceleratory fibroblasts proliferation at the range tested. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Location of a nanoclay at the interface in an immiscible poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(ethylene oxide) blend and its effect on the compatibility of the components
Authors: Fang Z. , Harrats C. , Moussaif N. , Groeninckx G.
Published: August 2007

Nanocomposites based on 80/20 and 20/80 (w/w) poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) immiscible blends and organophilic layered silicates were prepared with melt extrusion. From transmission electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that the exfoliated silicate platelets were preferentially located at the interface between the two blend phases. When the blend‐based nanocomposites were prepared via a two‐step process in which the silicates were first premixed with the PEO component or with the PCL component, the silicate layers migrated from the PEO phase or PCL phase to the interface. The rheological behavior of the nanocomposites was also investigated. At low frequencies, the frequency dependence of the storage modulus changed from a liquidlike behavior for the unfilled blend to a solidlike behavior for the nanocomposites, indicating the formation of a network structure as a result of exfoliation. From the scanning electron micrographs, a monotonic decrease of the PEO domain size in the 80/20 PCL/PEO blend was observed as a function of the organophilic clay content. Therefore, a clear emulsifying effect was induced by the organophilic layered silicates in the immiscible PCL/PEO blend. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Morphology, dynamic mechanical properties, and gas separation of crosslinking silica‐containing polyimide nanocomposite thin film
Authors: Tsai Mei‐Hui , Huang Shih‐Liang , Chiang Pei‐Chun , Chen Chiou‐Juy
Published: August 2007

Silica‐containing polyimide (PI‐Si) crosslinked hybrid films are synthesized and applied to gas separation application. The PI‐Si hybrid films are prepared from 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA), 3, 3′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA), p‐aminophenyltrimethoxysilane (APTS), and phenyltrimetoxysilane (PTS). The monomer of monoamide APTS is used to modulate the block chain length of ODA–ODPA and then form bonding between PTS and ODA–ODPA phases. In the series of xASPI (where x indicates the molecular weight (in kg/mol) of PI block chain length of ODA–ODPA and ASPI denotes PI modified with APTS) hybrid films, the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases and α‐relaxation damping peak intensity decreases with the increase of APTS content. Meanwhile, the gas permeabilities of O2 and N2 of xASPI films are slightly higher as compared with pure PI. The other series of (5AS–y‐S)PI (5ASPI incorporates with PTS and y is the weight of PTS) hybrid films, the properties of Tg, density, and α‐relaxation damping peak intensity are decreased with increasing the PTS content. However, higher O2 and N2 gas permeabilities and O2/N2 selectivity are achieved by increasing the PTS content in (5AS–y‐S)PI hybrid films. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Congenital defects among liveborn infants with Down syndrome
Authors: Cleves Mario A. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Cleves Phillip A. , Tilford John M. , Bird T.M. , Robbins James M.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Many infants with Down syndrome (DS) have co‐occurring congenital malformations requiring intensive surgical and medical management. To anticipate the care needed by these infants, providers and parents require accurate information about birth defects that may be present. This article uses a unique national hospital discharge dataset to identify the rate at which structural birth defects are identified among liveborn infants with DS. METHODS: ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes for data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project were used to identify infants with and without DS, and to classify birth defects. The study population consisted of liveborn infants discharged from the hospital from 1993 through 2002. ORs for the association between the occurrence of congenital malformations and the presence of DS were computed using logistic regression models for survey data. RESULTS: Discharge data included 11,372 DS and 7,884,209 non‐DS births, representing national estimates of 43,463 DS and 39,716,469 non‐DS births respectively. In addition to congenital heart defects that co‐occurred most often in DS infants compared to infants without DS, the risks for gastrointestinal malformations (OR 67.07), genitourinary malformations (OR 3.62), orofacial malformations (OR 5.63), and abdominal wall malformations (OR 3.25) were also elevated in infants with DS. There was no difference in the risk of spina bifida between infants with and without DS. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first nationally representative compilation of the co‐occurrence of congenital malformations associated with DS. This information may assist providers and parents in their attempts to understand and prepare for the true burden of this condition. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 79:657–663, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariable analysis comparing outcome after sentinel node biopsy or therapeutic lymph node dissection in patients with melanoma
Authors: van Akkooi A C J , Bouwhuis M G , de Wilt J H W , Kliffen M , Schmitz P I M , Eggermont A M M
Published: August 2007

Background

Sentinel node (SN) status is the most important prognostic factor for overall survival in stage I or II melanoma. Yet SN-positive tumours with submicroscopic involvement of the SN (clusters of cells smaller than 0·1 mm) have shown a distant recurrence rate of only 9 per cent at 5 years, as good as that in SN-negative patients. This study compared the outcome after completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in SN-positive tumours with elective total lymph node dissection (TLND) in patients with palpable nodes.

Methods

A total of 188 patients were identified; 124 had TLND and 64 had CLND. Median follow-up was 56 and 37 months respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding tumour Breslow thickness, ulceration and site of the primary tumour. Survival rates were calculated from date of primary excision. All patients with primary melanomas on extremities or trunk were included.

Results

On univariable analysis, the site of the primary tumour (extremity versus trunk) (P < 0·001), Breslow thickness (P = 0·005) and ulceration (P < 0·001) were prognostic for overall survival. There was a non-significant 13 per cent difference in overall survival at 5 years between CLND and TLND (P = 0·115). Excluding 15 patients who had SN disease with submicrometastases reduced the difference to 6 per cent (P = 0·415).

Conclusion

This study showed no significant survival benefit for SN-positive CLND compared with TLND, especially when patients with nodes containing submicrometastases were excluded.
Laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Wind J , Koopman A G , van Berge Henegouwen M I , Slors J F M , Gouma D J , Bemelman W A
Published: August 2007

Background

Anastomotic leakage is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefits of a laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Between January 2003 and January 2006, ten patients who had laparoscopic colorectal resection and later developed anastomotic leakage had a laparoscopic reintervention. A second group included 15 patients who had relaparotomy after primary open surgery.

Results

Patient characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The median time from first operation to reintervention was 6 days in both groups. There were no conversions. The intensive care stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (1 versus 3 days; P = 0·002). Resumption of a normal diet (median 3 versus 6 days; P = 0·031) and first stoma output (2 versus 3 days; P = 0·041) occurred earlier in the laparoscopic group. The postoperative 30-day morbidity rate was lower (four of ten patients versus 12 of 15; P = 0·087) and hospital stay was shorter (median 9 versus 13 days; P = 0·058) in the laparoscopic group. No patient developed incisional hernia in the laparoscopic group compared with five of 15 in the open group (P = 0·061).

Conclusion

These data suggest that laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic surgery is associated with less morbidity, faster recovery and fewer abdominal wall complications than relaparotomy.
Mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells into the circulation in burned patients
Authors: Fox A , Smythe J , Fisher N , Tyler M P H , McGrouther D A , Watt S M , Harris A L
Published: August 2007

Background

Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been detected in the peripheral blood of patients following thermal injury. EPCs migrate to sites of active neovascularization in response to mediators released after trauma, contributing to wound healing. The aim was to characterize levels and kinetics of EPCs in burned patients, then relate these to key mobilizing factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL 12), and compare them with those in healthy subjects.

Methods

The study included 19 adult patients with superficial or full-thickness burns and 50 blood donor volunteer controls. EPCs, identified by cell surface markers CD45dim/−, CD133+, CD144+ and VEGF receptor 2, were quantified by four-colour flow cytometry. Plasma VEGF and CXCL12 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Burned patients showed a rapid rise in EPC levels within 24 h, a ninefold increase compared with controls, returning to basal levels by 72 h. Body surface area burned correlated strongly with the degree of mobilization. EPC levels correlated significantly with rises in plasma VEGF and CXCL12.

Conclusion

Thermal injury induced a rapid rise in EPCs that was proportional to the extent of the burn and significantly correlated with levels of angiogenic cytokines. Such cytokines may be used to stimulate EPCs as a future therapeutic target in burned patients.
Local excision of rectal tumours by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (Br J Surg 2007; 94: 627–633)
Authors: Selvasekar C R , Hassan I
Published: August 2007

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Effect of patulin on the interdigitating dendritic cells (IDCs) of rat thymus
Authors: Özsoy Nesrin , Selmanoğlu Güldeniz , Koçkaya E. Arzu , Gül Nursel , Cebesoy Suna
Published: August 2007

Patulin is a common fungal contaminant of ripe apples used for the production of apple juice concentrates and it is also present in other fruits, vegetables and food products. Patulin is a secondary metabolite produced by species of the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys. Patulin has been reported to be mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic. Antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) are of prime importance in the innate immune response; they capture antigen in tissues and then migrate to the lymphoid organs to present the antigen to T lymphocytes. Thus, they are crucial for the initiation of immunity. Interdigitating dendritic cells (IDCs) are a subset of APCs that are present at the lymphatic organs. In the thymus, they act in positive and negative selection during T cell development. In the present study, patulin was administered orally to growing male rats aged 5–6 weeks. A dose of 0.1 mg kg−1 bw day−1 was given to rats for a period of 60 or 90 days daily. The effect of patulin on the IDCs of thymus was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the results were evaluated in terms of cell destruction. In the rats of the control group, it was observed that the IDCs had an indented nucleus, a clear cytoplasm and numerous membrane extensions. In the cytoplasm, a well‐developed golgi complex, mitochondria, granular endoplasmic reticulum and a small number of lysosomal structures were observed. At day 60 of patulin‐treated rat groups (P‐60), loss of cristae in mitochondria and chromatin margination and lysis in the nucleus were found. It was observed that the IDCs had a perinuclear area of cytoplasm surrounded by a peripheral electron‐lucent zone. In the cytoplasm of the 90‐day patulin‐treated rat group (P‐90), a peripheral electron‐lucent zone was also found, similar to the P‐60 group. Additionally increase in vesicular and lysosomal structures, increase in apoptotic bodies and condensation of chromatin in the nucleus were noted. It was observed that patulin leads to apoptotic body formation and cell apoptosis in the IDCs of rat thymus especially in the P‐90‐treated groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prognosis for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who have clonal cytogenetic abnormalities in philadelphia chromosome‐negative cells
Authors: Deininger Michael W. N. , Cortes Jorge , Paquette Ron , Park Byung , Hochhaus Andreas , Baccarani Michele , Stone Richard , Fischer Thomas , Kantarjian Hagop , Niederwieser Dietger , Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , So Charlene , Gathmann Insa , Goldman John M. , Smith Douglas , Druker Brian J. , Guilhot François
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND.

Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities (CCA) were detected in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐negative cells in some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who attained a cytogenetic response to imatinib mesylate. In some patients, CCA/Ph‐negative status was associated with myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia. The objective of the current study was to determine the prognostic impact of CCA/Ph‐negative cells.

METHODS.

The authors compared the pretherapeutic risk factors (Kruskall‐Wallis test), exposure to cytotoxic drugs (chi‐square test), and overall and progression‐free survival (Kaplan‐Meyer and logistic regression analysis, respectively) of 515 patients with mostly chronic‐phase CML who were treated with imatinib mesylate after failure of interferon‐α according to whether they attained a major cytogenetic response (MCR) (n = 324 patients), an MCR with CCA/Ph‐negative status (n = 30 patients), or no MCR (n = 161 patients).

RESULTS.

CCA/Ph‐negative status most frequently involved chromosomes Y, 8, and 7. No significant differences in pretherapeutic risk factors were detected between patients who attained an MCR with and without CCA/Ph‐negative cells, except that exposure to alkylating agents was more frequent in patients with CCA/Ph‐negative cells, and overall and progression‐free survival were identical. With a median follow‐up of 51 months, only 2 patients developed myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

CONCLUSIONS.

The overall prognosis for patients who had CML with CCA/Ph‐negative status was good and was driven by the CML response to imatinib mesylate. Isolated CCA/Ph‐negative cells in the absence of morphologic evidence of MDS do not justify a change in therapy. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A Novel Approach to Silicon‐Nanowire‐Assisted Growth of High‐Purity, Single‐Crystalline β‐Si3N4 Nanowires
Authors: Niu J.‐J. , Wang J.‐N.
Published: August 2007

Bundles of single‐crystalline β‐Si3N4 nanowires with high purity are successfully synthesized using a simple CVD process with silicon nanowire(SiNW)‐assisted growth. The β‐Si3N4 NWs obtained have a small diameter of ∼30 nm, a single‐crystalline structure with [100] or [101] direction, and a thin oxide shell. The photoluminescence and Raman scattering spectra confirm the good crystalline structure. The weak blue‐shift of the peaks in Raman scattering compared to bulk β‐Si3N4 is attributed to the phonon confinement effect or laser heating during the measurements. Finally, a possible SiNWs template‐assisted growth model is suggested.
Leitlinien für die sichere Planung und Ausführung von erddruckbelastetem Mauerwerk
Authors: Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Rast Ronald , Spengler Markus
Published: August 2007

Mauerwerk im Kellergeschoss ist eine anerkannte Bauweise und unter Beachtung einiger weniger Grundsätze problemlos ohne Schäden herstellbar. In letzter Zeit sind allerdings einige Veröffentlichungen erschienen, die die Verwendung von Mauerwerk bei erddruckbelasteten Kelleraußenwänden diskutieren.

In diesem Zusammenhang wird die Frage aufgeworfen, ob der im Mauerwerksbau allgemein übliche Ansatz des aktiven Erddrucks zur Bemessung der Kellerwände ausreichend ist und die Erstellung eines stand‐ und gebrauchssicheren Kellergeschosses gewährleistet.

Einerseits wurde in den vergangenen Jahren die Tendenz beobachtet, dass sich die Bauzeiten weiter verkürzen und zunehmend gestalterische Vorgaben (z. B. immer größer werdende Terrassenflächen) erhöhte Anforderungen an die Verdichtung der Arbeitsraumverfüllung stellen. Ungenügend ausgebildete Arbeitskräfte auf den Baustellen tragen außerdem dazu bei, dass die Ausführungsqualität je nach Bauunternehmung stark schwankt.

Andererseits bieten gerade Kellerwände aus Mauerwerk aufgrund ihrer sehr guten bauphysikalischen Eigenschaften enorme Vorteile, welche eine moderne Nutzung des Kellers als Hobbyraum, Büro oder Schlafzimmer begünstigen.

Aus diesem Grund hat die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mauerwerksbau (DGfM) ein Forschungsvorhaben in Auftrag gegeben, welches die aufgeworfene Thematik analy‐siert und daraus die Randbedingungen für ein sicheres Erstellen von Kellermauerwerk ableitet.
Reliability of high‐throughput genotyping of whole genome amplified DNA in SNP genotyping studies
Authors: Berthier‐Schaad Yvette , Kao Wen Hong Linda , Coresh Josef , Zhang Lin , Ingersoll Roxann G. , Stephens Robert , Smith Michael W.
Published: August 2007

Whole genome amplification (wga) of DNA is being widely implemented in many laboratories to extend the life of samples only available in limited quantities for genetic analysis. We determined the reliability of wgaDNA genotypes in three sets of replicates from the same individuals: (i) 23 pairs of genomic DNA (gDNA), (ii) 43 pairs gDNA versus wgaDNA, and (iii) 29 pairs of independently amplified wgaDNA. Amplification was performed using multiple displacement amplification (MDA). Genotyping was successful for both DNA types for 1268 out of 1534 SNPs from 164 cardiovascular candidate genes assayed in a single Illumina panel. Amplified DNA failed for 77 SNPs (6%) that were genotyped successfully with genomic material. Percent of successful SNP calls, and concordance between pairs and kappa statistics (κ) were determined. A total of 54 110 genotypes from gDNA–wgaDNA pairs were available for concordance analysis. Mean κ for gDNA–wgaDNA pairs was 0.99. Concordance between gDNA–wgaDNA pairs was higher than amongst wgaDNA pairs (mean κ for the 29 independently amplified pairs of wgaDNA was 0.95; interquartile range: 0.93–1.00). A statistical analysis of those SNPs which failed to genotype from amplified DNA only revealed that those loci were more likely to be closer to the telomeres and in locally GC‐rich sequences. In summary, the MDA method produces wgaDNA samples that can be genotyped using high‐throughput technology with a very high reproducibility to the original DNA but with slightly lower call rates. DNA amplification methodologies provide a useful solution for current and future large‐scale genetic analyses especially with limited quantities of samples and DNA.
Identification and relative quantification of adenosine to inosine editing in serotonin 2c receptor mRNA by CE
Authors: Poyau Alain , Vincent Laurent , Berthommé Hervé , Paul Catherine , Nicolas Brigitte , Pujol Jean‐François , Madjar Jean‐Jacques
Published: August 2007

A new method has been developed allowing the identification and relative quantification of different forms of mRNA after RNA editing. This method was applied to the serotonin 2c receptor mRNA that potentially exhibits 32 different forms after adenosine to inosine editing at five different sites located in a row of 13 nucleotides. CE was used to characterize fluorescently labeled ssDNA molecules on the basis of their conformational polymorphism. The relative amount of these 32 mRNA forms has been estimated by measuring the fluorescence intensity of each individual DNA strand. Accuracy of quantification was established by diluting one form into another or into a mixture of cDNA, showing linear and precise proportion of each form (0.06 <SD <0.39%). In mouse brain tissue samples, up to 23 different mRNA forms were characterized and quantified, even for forms representing less than 1% of the mixture.
Native PAGE eliminates the problem of PEG–SDS interaction in SDS‐PAGE and provides an alternative to HPLC in characterization of protein PEGylation
Authors: Zheng Chunyang Y. , Ma Guanghui , Su Zhiguo
Published: August 2007

PEGylation of proteins has become an increasingly important technology in recent years. However, determination and characterization of the PEGylation products are problematic especially for the reaction mixture containing various modified proteins, unreacted PEG, and unmodified protein. A comparative study was carried out with two HPLC methods and two electrophoresis methods for characterization of the reaction mixture in PEGylation of HSA with PEG 5000, 10000, and 20000. RP‐HPLC fails to give the correct information about the reaction of PEG 20000. Size‐exclusion HPLC (SE‐HPLC) produced very poor resolution on the PEG 5000 reaction. SDS‐PAGE can run multiple samples of all PEGylation but the bands were smeared or broadened probably due to the interaction between PEG and SDS. On the other hand, native PAGE eliminates the problem of PEG–SDS interaction and provides better resolutions for all samples. Various PEGylated products and unmodified protein migrate differentially in native PAGE under nondenatured conditions. The results demonstrated that native PAGE could be a good alternative to HPLC and SDS‐PAGE for the analysis of PEG–protein conjugates especially for characterization of the PEGylation mixture.
The resistance of metallothionein to proteolytic digestion: An LC‐MS/MS analysis
Authors: Wang Rongying , Sens Donald A. , Garrett Scott , Somji Seema , Sens Mary Ann , Lu Xiaoning
Published: August 2007

Metallothioneins (MTs) are a family of cysteine‐rich metalloproteins which strongly bind to heavy metals, such as Cd(II), Zn(II), and Cu(I). Previous works by other group using gel electrophoresis and fluorescence showed MTs were resistant to proteolytic digestion by a variety of enzymes, raising the difficulties in proteomic identification of MTs. The present work was attempted to analyze the resistance of MTs to trypsin using LC with MS/MS (LC‐MS/MS), which was able to determine the sequences of the produced peptides and thus precisely characterize the cleavages. The results showed that metal‐saturated MTs were completely resistant to trypsin. This resistance problem could be overcome by the addition of EDTA to MT samples, which rendered MTs readily digested into peptides and identified by MS/MS. Interestingly, the partially metal binding MTs were digested into peptides predominantly with miss cleavages which were well dependent on the amount of heavy metals bound to MTs. An explanation for these observations was proposed. The potential applications of the MT's resistance to trypsin in isolation and identification of MTs in complex mixtures such as cultured cells was demonstrated. The preliminary data also showed the same proteomic approach of proteolytic digestion followed by MS/MS analysis may provide information on metal binding status of MTs, along with the identification of MTs in a mixture.
Benchmark tipping and the role of the swap market in price discovery
Authors: Poskitt Russell
Published: August 2007

The author uses a high‐frequency data set to investigate the roles of the sterling swap and futures markets in price discovery at the short‐end of the sterling yield curve. Information flows between the futures and swap markets are found to be largely contemporaneous. Causal information flows are bidirectional, although the futures market dominates the information flow over the very short term. Thus, the futures market remains the primary locus of price discovery despite the increased use of swaps as a pricing benchmark and hedging instrument in recent years. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 27:981–1001, 2007
Depression or apathy and functional recovery after stroke
Authors: Hama Seiji , Yamashita Hidehisa , Shigenobu Masaya , Watanabe Atsuko , Hiramoto Keiko , Kurisu Kaoru , Yamawaki Shigeto , Kitaoka Tamotsu
Published: August 2007

Objectives

While depression and apathy are common after stroke, past studies have done little to examine the influence of these two symptoms on functional outcome respectively. This study was designed to examine the effect of depression or apathy on functional recovery after stroke in 237 Japanese stroke patients.

Methods

We assessed the psychological status using self‐rating scales [the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) for depression and the Apathy Scale (AS) for apathy] and an observer‐rating scale [the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)]. We assessed physical disability using the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM). Post‐hoc test and multiple regression analysis were used to determine the independent effects of post‐stroke depression and apathy on functional outcome.

Results

Depression was observed in 75 (31.6%) using SDS and 88 (40.2%) using NPI, and apathy in 95 (40.1%) using AS and 42 (19.2%) using NPI, respectively. Post‐hoc test and multiple regression analysis indicated that the cognitive variable (Mini‐Mental State Examination: MMSE score) and AS score, but not SDS score, correlated negatively with improvement in FIM.

Conclusions

Apathy might be more frequently associated with functional abilities and likely interact with the recovery process as compared with depression after stroke. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does reporting heterogeneity bias the measurement of health disparities?
Authors: Bago d'Uva Teresa , Van Doorslaer Eddy , Lindeboom Maarten , O'Donnell Owen
Published: August 2007

Heterogeneity in reporting of health by socio‐economic and demographic characteristics potentially biases the measurement of health disparities. We use anchoring vignettes to identify socio‐demographic differences in the reporting of health in Indonesia, India and China. Homogeneous reporting by socio‐demographic group is rejected and correcting for reporting heterogeneity tends to reduce slightly estimated disparities in health by education (not China) and to increase those by income. But the method does not reveal substantial reporting bias in measures of health disparities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Margin failures in crown‐like brittle structures: Off‐axis loading
Authors: Ford Chris , Qasim Tarek , Bush Mark B , Hu Xiaozhi , Shah Mahek M , Saxena Vibhu P , Lawn Brian R.
Published: August 2007

The effect of off‐axis loading of compliant indenters on the initiation of cracks at the margins of dental crown‐like dome structures consisting of glass shells back‐filled with an epoxy resin is examined. As in previous studies on similar structures but with strictly axial loading, cracks can be made to initiate and propagate from the margins around the dome faces into a “semi‐lunar” fracture pattern characteristic of some all‐ceramic crown failures. In this study, balsa wood and teflon disk indenters are used to provide the off‐axis loading, at 45° to the dome axis. The soft indenters, considered representative of food bolus, spread the contact at the top surface, suppressing otherwise dominant radial cracks that ordinarily initiate at the dome undersurface directly along the load axis beneath harder indenters. Finite element modeling is used to show that off‐axis loading dramatically increases the tensile stresses at the near‐side dome margin, strongly diminishing the loads required to generate the lunar fracture mode. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Titanium particles that have undergone phagocytosis by macrophages lose the ability to activate other macrophages
Authors: Xing Zhiqing , Schwab Luciana P. , Alley Carie F. , Hasty Karen A. , Smith Richard A.
Published: August 2007

Titanium particles derived from the wear of the orthopaedic implant surfaces can activate macrophages to secrete cytokines and stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption, causing osteolysis around orthopaedic implants. However, what happens to the titanium particles after being phagocytosed by macrophages is not known. We prepared titanium particles (as received, clean, and LPS‐coated), and exposed them to macrophages in culture. Free particles were washed away after 24 h and the intracellular particles were kept in culture for additional 48 h until being harvested by lysing the cells. Particles that had been cell treated or noncell treated were examined by scanning electronic microscopy to analyze the shape, size, and concentration of the particles. The cell treated and noncell treated particles were exposed to macrophages in culture with a particle to cell ratio of 300:1. After 18 h, the levels of TNF‐α in culture medium and the viability of the cells were examined. Clean particles did not stimulate TNF‐α secretion by macrophages, while LPS‐coated particles dramatically increased that response. Phagocytosis by macrophages did not change the shape and size of the particles, but depleted the ability of the particles to stimulate TNF‐α secretion by macrophages. This indicates that macrophages are capable of rendering titanium particles inactive without degrading the particles, possibly by altering the surface chemistry of the particles. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Effect of substrate temperature on mechanical properties of calcium phosphate coatings
Authors: Blalock Travis L , Bai Xiao , Narayan Roger , Rabiei Afsaneh
Published: August 2007

The effect of substrate temperature and processing parameters on mechanical properties of nanoscale calcium phosphate coatings are being studied in order to refine the processing technique for Functionally Graded Hydroxyapatite (FGHA) coatings. Coatings were deposited on titanium substrates with a set substrate temperature of 450, 550, 650, or 750°C in an Ion Beam Assisted Deposition (IBAD) system using a sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) target. Mechanical properties of the coatings deposited with a set substrate temperature such as, bonding/adhesion strength to the substrate, nanohardness, and Young's Modulus as well as coating thickness were evaluated and compared with commercial plasma spray HA coatings. It is concluded that depositing FGHA coatings would better be started at 550–650°C to maintain superior properties of the film at the interface. It can also be concluded that the residual stresses caused by different Coefficient of Thermal Expansions (CTEs) between the substrate and coatings are not the only factor controlling the bonding strength and mechanical properties of these samples. Other parameters such as the nature of the interface layers and their bonding to each other as well as the density and grain structure of the coatings must be taken into consideration for an appropriate evaluation of mechanical properties of calcium phosphate coatings deposited on heated substrate. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Role of sonography in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Gurel Safiye , Sarikaya Basar , Gurel Kamil , Akata Deniz
Published: August 2007

This review addresses the use of sonography in the evaluation of patients suspected of having ectopic pregnancy. The use of transvaginal and transabdominal sonography and the role of Doppler imaging in the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy are discussed. Various sonographic findings and pitfalls of ectopic pregnancy are analyzed, with emphasis on their diagnostic efficacies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Correction and downscaling of NWP wind speed forecasts
Authors: Howard Tom , Clark Peter
Published: August 2007

NWP models typically parametrize the effects of unresolved orography, often through use of an effective (orographic) roughness. Whilst this parametrization realistically models the orographic drag on the synoptic‐scale flow, it creates two problems for the assimilation of wind observations from high ground. First, the artificially increased surface stress causes a reduction in the predicted wind speed at the standard wind observing height of 10 m, and second, the speed‐up over the unresolved summits is not modelled.

A method is described for reconciling observed and modelled wind speeds. The method is based on the linear theory of neutral boundary‐layer flow over hills and includes a resolution of both the problems described above. The method is applied to both the assimilation of observations and the creation of an improved 10 m wind analysis. The method has been on trial in the Met Office's nowcasting system; significant improvements are demonstrated, particularly during strong wind events.

The simplified model presented here is not claimed to represent the full complexities of the boundary layer, but nevertheless produces computationally cheap, low‐level wind forecasts, which are a significant improvement on the existing output from the Unified Model. © Crown Copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A first theoretical comparison between current and future indoor thermal comfort conditions, in Greece, as a result of the greenhouse effect
Authors: Nikolakis D. J.
Published: August 2007

In the present study, current and future indoor thermal comfort conditions in Greece are estimated from the monthly mean temperature values of 108 climatological stations. The data concern the period 1961–1990. Data from January have been taken to represent the cold season, while those from July represent the warm season. The estimation of the current comfort of indoor climates was assessed by considering lightly clothed sedentary people. For future climate conditions, the estimation was made by considering a possible temperature increase of about 2 °C, according to the general circulation models' prediction for Greece.

The calculations showed that in the cold and the warm seasons, in both current and future conditions, it is recommended that the thermostat should be set at the calculated local comfort temperatures instead of the generally accepted positions of 22 and 25 °C for summer and winter respectively with considerable energy saving. However, due to the possible temperature increase even larger amounts of energy will be required for air‐conditioning in some parts of Greece during the warm season. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society