bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active immunization using exotoxin A confers protection against Pseudomonas aeruginosainfection in a mouse burn model
Authors: Manafi Ali , Kohanteb Jamshid , Mehrabani Davood , Japoni Aziz , Amini Masoud , Naghmachi Mohsen , Zaghi Ahmad Hosseinzadeh , Khalili Nazanin
Published: February 2009

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important cause of nosocomial infection and may lead to septicemia and death. We evaluated the immunogenicity of semi-purified exotoxin A from the bacterium in a mouse burn model.

Methods

The toxoid was prepared from exotoxin A taken from toxigenic strains of P. aeruginosa (PA 103). 50 mice were immunized with the toxoid, burned with hot metal and infected with 1 × 108 CFU of toxigenic strains of P. aeruginosa (experimental group); 25 non-immunized mice were also burned and infected (control group). The mortality rate and presence of any exotoxin and P. aeruginosa in the sera, liver and spleen were determined.

Results

In the experimental group, 2 mice died before the burns were administered and were excluded from the study. The remainder (48 mice) were challenged with a lethal dose of P. aeruginosa and followed for 70 days. 3 of these mice died. Neither P. aeruginosa nor exotoxin A was not detected in the liver, spleen or sera of the surviving mice. The protective efficacy of toxoid vaccination was therefore 93.8%. In the control group, all mice died from bacteremia and septicemia, most (80%) within 6 days, and P. aeruginosa and exotoxin A were isolated from sera, spleen and liver.

Conclusion

Active immunization of mice using a semi-purified exotoxin A derived from P. aeruginosa was 93.8% effective at protecting mice from subsequent P. aeruginosa infections in a mouse burn model.
Validation of candidate genes putatively associated with resistance to SCMV and MDMV in maize (Zea mays L.) by expression profiling
Authors: Użarowska Anna , Dionisio Giuseppe , Sarholz Barbara , Piepho Hans-Peter , Xu Mingliang , Ingvardsen Christina Rønn , Wenzel Gerhard , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: February 2009

Background

The potyviruses sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) are major pathogens of maize worldwide. Two loci, Scmv1 and Scmv2, have ealier been shown to confer complete resistance to SCMV. Custom-made microarrays containing previously identified SCMV resistance candidate genes and resistance gene analogs were utilised to investigate and validate gene expression and expression patterns of isogenic lines under pathogen infection in order to obtain information about the molecular mechanisms involved in maize-potyvirus interactions.

Results

By employing time course microarray experiments we identified 68 significantly differentially expressed sequences within the different time points. The majority of differentially expressed genes differed between the near-isogenic line carrying Scmv1 resistance locus at chromosome 6 and the other isogenic lines. Most differentially expressed genes in the SCMV experiment (75%) were identified one hour after virus inoculation, and about one quarter at multiple time points. Furthermore, most of the identified mapped genes were localised outside the Scmv QTL regions. Annotation revealed differential expression of promising pathogenesis-related candidate genes, validated by qRT-PCR, coding for metallothionein-like protein, S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, germin-like protein or 26S ribosomal RNA.

Conclusion

Our study identified putative candidate genes and gene expression patterns related to resistance to SCMV. Moreover, our findings support the effectiveness and reliability of the combination of different expression profiling approaches for the identification and validation of candidate genes. Genes identified in this study represent possible future targets for manipulation of SCMV resistance in maize.
Nitrous oxide may not increase the risk of cancer recurrence after colorectal surgery: a follow-up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fleischmann Edith , Marschalek Corinna , Schlemitz Katja , Dalton Jarrod E , Gruenberger Thomas , Herbst Friedrich , Kurz Andrea , Sessler Daniel I
Published: February 2009

Background

Even the best cancer surgery is usually associated with minimal residual disease. Whether these remaining malignant cells develop into clinical recurrence is at least partially determined by adequacy of host defense, especially natural killer cell function. Anesthetics impair immune defenses to varying degrees, but nitrous oxide appears to be especially problematic. We therefore tested the hypothesis that colorectal-cancer recurrence risk is augmented by nitrous oxide administration during colorectal surgery.

Methods

We conducted a 4- to 8-year follow-up of 204 patients with colorectal cancer who were randomly assigned to 65% nitrous oxide (n = 97) or nitrogen (n = 107), balanced with isoflurane and remifentanil. The primary outcome was the time to cancer recurrence. Our primary analysis was a multivariable Cox-proportional-hazards regression model that included relevant baseline variables. In addition to treatment group, the model considered patient age, tumor grade, dissemination, adjacent organ invasion, vessel invasion, and the number of nodes involved. The study had 80% power to detect a 56% or greater reduction in recurrence rates (i.e., hazard ratio of 0.44 or less) at the 0.05 significance level.

Results

After adjusting for significant baseline covariables, risk of recurrence did not differ significantly for nitrous oxide and nitrogen, with a hazard ratio estimate (95% CI) of 1.10 (0.66, 1.83), P = 0.72. No two-way interactions with the treatment were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Colorectal-cancer recurrence risks were not greatly different in patients who were randomly assigned to 65% nitrous oxide or nitrogen during surgery. Our results may not support avoiding nitrous oxide use to prevent recurrence of colorectal cancer.

Implications Statement

The risk of colorectal cancer recurrence was similar in patients who were randomly assigned to 65% nitrous oxide or nitrogen during colorectal surgery.

Trial Registration

Current Controlled Clinical Trials NCT00781352 http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Four novel mutations in the lactase gene (LCT) underlying congenital lactase deficiency (CLD)
Authors: Torniainen Suvi , Freddara Roberta , Routi Taina , Gijsbers Carolien , Catassi Carlo , Höglund Pia , Savilahti Erkki , Järvelä Irma
Published: February 2009

Background

Congenital lactase deficiency (CLD) is a severe gastrointestinal disorder of newborns. The diagnosis is challenging and based on clinical symptoms and low lactase activity in intestinal biopsy specimens. The disease is enriched in Finland but is also present in other parts of the world. Mutations encoding the lactase (LCT) gene have recently been shown to underlie CLD. The purpose of this study was to identify new mutations underlying CLD in patients with different ethnic origins, and to increase awareness of this disease so that the patients could be sought out and treated correctly.

Methods

Disaccharidase activities in intestinal biopsy specimens were assayed and the coding region of LCT was sequenced from five patients from Europe with clinical features compatible with CLD. In the analysis and prediction of mutations the following programs: ClustalW, Blosum62, PolyPhen, SIFT and Panther PSEC were used.

Results

Four novel mutations in the LCT gene were identified. A single nucleotide substitution leading to an amino acid change S688P in exon 7 and E1612X in exon 12 were present in a patient of Italian origin. Five base deletion V565fsX567 leading to a stop codon in exon 6 was found in one and a substitution R1587H in exon 12 from another Finnish patient. Both Finnish patients were heterozygous for the Finnish founder mutation Y1390X. The previously reported mutation G1363S was found in a homozygous state in two siblings of Turkish origin.

Conclusion

This is the first report of CLD mutations in patients living outside Finland. It seems that disease is more common than previously thought. All mutations in the LCT gene lead to a similar phenotype despite the location and/or type of mutation.
Gene expression profiling of alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS)
Authors: Stockwin Luke H , Vistica David T , Kenney Susan , Schrump David S , Butcher Donna O , Raffeld Mark , Shoemaker Robert H
Published: February 2009

Background

Alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS) is an extremely rare, highly vascular soft tissue sarcoma affecting predominantly adolescents and young adults. In an attempt to gain insight into the pathobiology of this enigmatic tumor, we performed the first genome-wide gene expression profiling study.

Methods

For seven patients with confirmed primary or metastatic ASPS, RNA samples were isolated immediately following surgery, reverse transcribed to cDNA and each sample hybridized to duplicate high-density human U133 plus 2.0 microarrays. Array data was then analyzed relative to arrays hybridized to universal RNA to generate an unbiased transcriptome. Subsequent gene ontology analysis was used to identify transcripts with therapeutic or diagnostic potential. A subset of the most interesting genes was then validated using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Analysis of patient array data versus universal RNA identified elevated expression of transcripts related to angiogenesis (ANGPTL2, HIF-1 alpha, MDK, c-MET, VEGF, TIMP-2), cell proliferation (PRL, IGFBP1, NTSR2, PCSK1), metastasis (ADAM9, ECM1, POSTN) and steroid biosynthesis (CYP17A1 and STS). A number of muscle-restricted transcripts (ITGB1BP3/MIBP, MYF5, MYF6 and TRIM63) were also identified, strengthening the case for a muscle cell progenitor as the origin of disease. Transcript differentials were validated using real-time PCR and subsequent immunohistochemical analysis confirmed protein expression for several of the most interesting changes (MDK, c-MET, VEGF, POSTN, CYP17A1, ITGB1BP3/MIBP and TRIM63).

Conclusion

Results from this first comprehensive study of ASPS gene expression identifies several targets involved in angiogenesis, metastasis and myogenic differentiation. These efforts represent the first step towards defining the cellular origin, pathogenesis and effective treatment strategies for this atypical malignancy.
Lower extremity joint kinetics and lumbar curvature during squat and stoop lifting
Authors: Hwang Seonhong , Kim Youngeun , Kim Youngho
Published: February 2009

Background

In this study, kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremity joint and the lumbar lordosis during two different symmetrical lifting techniques(squat and stoop) were examined using the three-dimensional motion analysis.

Methods

Twenty-six young male volunteers were selected for the subjects in this study. While they lifted boxes weighing 5, 10 and 15 kg by both squat and stoop lifting techniques, their motions were captured and analyzed using the 3D motion analysis system which was synchronized with two forceplates and the electromyographic system. Joint kinematics was determined by the forty-three reflective markers which were attached on the anatomical locations based on the VICON Plug-in-Gait marker placement protocol. Joint kinetics was analyzed by using the inverse dynamics. Paired t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the differences of variables between two techniques, and among three different weights. Correlation coefficient was calculated to explain the role of lower limb joint motion in relation to the lumbar lordosis.

Results

There were not significant differences in maximum lumbar joint moments between two techniques. The hip and ankle contributed the most part of the support moment during squat lifting, and the knee flexion moment played an important role in stoop lifting. The hip, ankle and lumbar joints generated power and only the knee joint absorbed power in the squat lifting. The knee and ankle joints absorbed power, the hip and lumbar joints generated power in the stoop lifting. The bi-articular antagonist muscles' co-contraction around the knee joint during the squat lifting and the eccentric co-contraction of the gastrocnemius and the biceps femoris were found important for maintaining the straight leg during the stoop lifting. At the time of lordotic curvature appearance in the squat lifting, there were significant correlations in all three lower extremity joint moments with the lumbar joint. Differently, only the hip moment had significant correlation with the lumbar joint in the stoop lifting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the knee extension which is prominent kinematics during the squat lifting was produced by the contributions of the kinetic factors from the hip and ankle joints(extensor moment and power generation) and the lumbar extension which is prominent kinematics during the stoop lifting could be produced by the contributions of the knee joint kinetic factors(flexor moment, power absorption, bi-articular muscle function).
Mapping of IgE-binding regions on recombinant Cyn d 1, a major allergen from Bermuda Grass Pollen (BGP)
Authors: Tiwari Ruby , Bhalla Prem L , Singh Mohan B
Published: February 2009

Background

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon; subfamily Chloridoideae) is an important source of seasonal aeroallergens in warm tropical and sub-tropical areas worldwide. Improved approaches to diagnosis and therapy of allergic diseases require a thorough understanding of the structure and epitopes on the allergen molecule that are crucial for the antigen-antibody interaction. This study describes the localization of the human IgE-binding regions of the major group 1 pollen allergen Cyn d 1 from Bermuda grass.

Methods

A cDNA library was constructed from Bermuda grass pollen (BGP) using a Lambda gt11 expression vector. The gene encoding the Cyn d 1 allergen was isolated by screening the library with a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against grass group 1 allergen. In order to characterize the IgE epitopes on Cyn d 1, seven overlapping fragments and three deletion mutants were cloned and over-expressed in E. coli. The recombinant fragments and deletion mutants were evaluated for their comparative IgE reactivity with sera of non atopic individuals and grass pollen allergic patients by ELISA and a dot-blot assay.

Results

Analysis of IgE binding regions by overlapping fragments and deletion mutants identified two major allergenic regions corresponding to amino acids 120–170 and 224–244. Deletion of either or both regions led to a significant reduction in IgE binding, emphasizing the importance of the C-terminal region on Cyn d 1 in epitope-IgE interaction.

Conclusion

Anti-Cyn d 1 IgE antibodies from allergic human sera recognize two epitopes located at the C-terminal end of the molecule. These data will enable the design of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for BGP hypersensitivity.
A child presenting with acute renal failure secondary to a high dose of indomethacin: a case report
Authors: González Felipe , López-Herce Jesús , Moraleda Cinta
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Acute renal failure caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs administered at therapeutic doses is generally mild, non-anuric and transitory. There are no publications on indomethacin toxicity secondary to high doses in children. The aim of this article is to describe acute renal failure secondary to a high dose of indomethacin in a child and to review an error in a supervised drug prescription and administration system.

Case presentation

Due to a medication error, a 20-day-old infant in the postoperative period of surgery for Fallot's tetralogy received a dose of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin, 50 to 100 times higher than the therapeutic dose. The child presented with acute, oligo-anuric renal failure requiring treatment with continuous venovenous renal replacement therapy, achieving complete recovery of renal function with no sequelae.

Conclusion

In order to reduce medication errors in critically ill children, it is necessary to develop a supervised drug prescription and administration system, with controls at various levels.
Electrical wire as a foreign body in a male urethra: a case report
Authors: Stravodimos Konstantinos G , Koritsiadis Georgios , Koutalellis Georgios
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Self-inflicted foreign bodies in the male urethra and urinary bladder are an emergency that urologists may rarely have to face. A case of an electrical wire inserted in the male urethra and coiled in the bladder is presented.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old male presented with the inability to void and bloody urethral discharge after having introduced an electrical wire in his urethra for masturbation 3 hours earlier. He had made several unsuccessful attempts to remove it.

Conclusion

The variety of these objects may be impressive and removal of the foreign body may be quite challenging requiring imagination and high-level surgical skills., In this case an electrical wire was used and the diagnostic as well as the therapeutic steps for its removal are presented.
Is psychiatric emergency service (PES) use increasing over time?
Authors: Paradis Michel , Woogh Carolyn , Marcotte Dany , Chaput Yves
Published: February 2009

Background

Several recent studies have reported a significant increase in medical emergency department (ED) use for reasons of mental health. The diagnostic profile of these patients however differs from that usually described for patients visiting the psychiatric emergency service (PES). Few studies have specifically focused upon long-term PES utilization rates. Those that do typically present data from the early 80s, suggesting that deinstitutionalization may be an important contributing factor to the increases found. The aim of this study was to assess PES use using a more recent time frame and, the effects of non-specific factors, such as population growth, on this use.

Methods

Visits per year at several different types of PESs were obtained; (a) for an 11-year period at a general hospital PES while the surrounding population remained stable, (b) at that same PES while the catchment area population doubled over a period of a few years, (c) for an 11-year period at two PESs without catchment areas while the surrounding population increased and (d-) for a 12-year period at a PES in a mental health facility while the surrounding population increased. Moderately conservative criteria were used to define either a trend or, a significant increase in utilization rates.

Results

Each site had an inherent, 7 to 15% yearly variability in the number of PES visits. Over time however, only those where the surrounding population increased (either by an increase in the catchment area size or a regional increase in the population census) showed a trend or, a significant increase in utilization rates. These increases however were modest and of the order of 12 to 19%.

Conclusion

Long observation periods are required in order to detect stable changes in PES utilization rates over time. As such, population growth may be but one of several factors underlying these increases. Organizational changes in mental health care delivery in the vicinity of the services that showed an increase could also have contributed. These latter would simply have redistributed (to the PES) the pre existing pool of mental health care patients, resulting in an increase that is more apparent than real.
Radiation produces differential changes in cytokine profiles in radiation lung fibrosis sensitive and resistant mice
Authors: Ao Xiaoping , Zhao Lujun , Davis Mary A , Lubman David M , Lawrence Theodore S , Kong Feng-Ming
Published: February 2009

Background

Recent research has supported that a variety of cytokines play important roles during radiation-induced lung toxicity. The present study is designed to investigate the differences in early cytokine induction after radiation in sensitive (C57BL/6) and resistant mice (C3H).

Results

Twenty-two cytokines in the lung tissue homogenates, bronchial lavage (BAL) fluids, and serum from 3, 6, 12, 24 hrs to 1 week after 12 Gy whole lung irradiation were profiled using a microsphere-based multiplexed cytokine assay. The majority of cytokines had similar baseline levels in C57BL/6 and C3H mice, but differed significantly after radiation. Many, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) were elevated significantly in specimens from both strains. They usually peaked at about 3–6 hrs in C57BL/6 and 6–12 hrs in C3H. At 6 hrs in lung tissue, G-CSF, IL-6, and KC increased 6, 8, and 11 fold in C57BL/6 mice, 4, 3, and 3 fold in the C3H mice, respectively. IL-6 was 10-fold higher at 6 hrs in the C57BL/6 BAL fluid than the C3H BAL fluid. MCP-1, IP-10, and IL-1α also showed some differences between strains in the lung tissue and/or serum. For the same cytokine and within the same strain of mice, there were significant linear correlations between lung tissue and BAL fluid levels (R2ranged 0.46–0.99) and between serum and tissue (R2ranged 0.56–0.98).

Conclusion

Radiation induced earlier and greater temporal changes in multiple cytokines in the pulmonary fibrosis sensitive mice. Positive correlation between serum and tissue levels suggests that blood may be used as a surrogate marker for tissue.
Characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer: A study of 235 cases at a comprehensive cancer center in U.S.A
Authors: Truong Camtu D , Feng Wei , Li Wei , Khoury T , Li Q , Alrawi S , Yu Yingyan , Xie Keping , Yao James , Tan Dongfeng
Published: February 2009

Background

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been shown to be associated with gastric cancer. However, inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the distribution of EBV infected cells (in normal gastric epithelium vs. intestinal metaplastic cells vs. in neoplastic cells) and the characteristics of EBV-associated gastric cancer. Lymph node positive EBV-associated gastric cancer has not been systematically studied. The aims of this study were to evaluate EBV-associated gastric cancer, to assess the distribution of EBV infected cells including all positive lymph nodes, and to define the characteristics of EBV-associated gastric cancer.

Design

The study included primary gastric cancer patients who underwent surgical resection with no preoperative treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1987 and 2006. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from these resection specimens were assessed for EBV by in situ hybridization, the gold standard for EBV detection in tissue. EBV status was analyzed along with clinicopathologic parameters including age, gender, tumor type, lymph node status, and pathologic stage of the tumor.

Results

Among 235 patients, 12 had intranuclear expression of EBV. EBV staining was seen only in tumor cells and no detectable EBV was observed in normal gastric mucosa, intestinal metaplasia or stromal cells. Eight of 12 patients with EBV-associated gastric cancer had regional lymph node metastasis. Of note, metastatic tumor cells in all of the involved lymph nodes of these 8 cases contained EBV. The epidemiologic data showed 11 of the 12 patients with EBV-associated gastric cancer were men, ranging in age from 54 to 78 years (mean age, 60 years; median age, 62.1 years). The age distribution for non-EBV associated gastric cancer patients ranged from 21 to 93 years (mean age, 67 years; median age, 66.4 years).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that EBV is present exclusively in gastric cancer cells. The detection of EBV in tumor cells in all of the lymph nodes involved with metastatic gastric carcinoma suggests simultaneous replication of EBV and tumor cells. The predominantly male gender and relatively younger age observed for the EBV-infected gastric cancer cases suggest an association between this disease and other factors, such as life style.
Dental root canal treatment complicated by foreign body ingestion: a case report
Authors: Dhandapani Ramyia G , Kumar Susim , O'Donnell Mark E , McNaboe Ted , Cranley Brian , Blake Geoff
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Most foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully. The majority of the reported literature describes the management of ingested blunt objects. However, ingestion of sharp objects can still occur with a higher rate of perforation corresponding to treatment dilemmas.

Case Presentation

We report the conservative management of an inadvertently ingested sharp foreign body during a routine dental procedure and describe a management strategy for the treatment of both blunt and sharp foreign bodies.

Conclusion

Urgent endoscopic assessment and retrieval is indicated when there is a history of a recently ingested sharp foreign body or if clinical suspicion suggests that the object is located within the oesophagus. Conservative management is advocated if the object has passed through the pylorus with serial clinical assessments including daily radiographs. Surgical intervention is warranted in the presence of obstruction, perforation or peritonitis.
Campylobacter jejuni induces transcellular translocation of commensal bacteria via lipid rafts
Authors: Kalischuk Lisa D , Inglis G Douglas , Buret Andre G
Published: February 2009

Background

Campylobacter enteritis represents a risk factor for the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) via unknown mechanisms. As IBD patients exhibit inflammatory responses to their commensal intestinal microflora, factors that induce translocation of commensal bacteria across the intestinal epithelium may contribute to IBD pathogenesis. This study sought to determine whether Campylobacter induces translocation of non-invasive intestinal bacteria, and characterize underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Mice were infected with C. jejuni and translocation of intestinal bacteria was assessed by quantitative bacterial culture of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), liver, and spleen. To examine mechanisms of Campylobacter-induced bacterial translocation, transwell-grown T84 monolayers were inoculated with non-invasive Escherichia coli HB101 ± wild-type Campylobacter or invasion-defective mutants, and bacterial internalization and translocation were measured. Epithelial permeability was assessed by measuring flux of a 3 kDa dextran probe. The role of lipid rafts was assessed by cholesterol depletion and caveolin co-localization.

Results

C. jejuni 81–176 induced translocation of commensal intestinal bacteria to the MLNs, liver, and spleen of infected mice. In T84 monolayers, Campylobacter-induced internalization and translocation of E. coli occurred via a transcellular pathway, without increasing epithelial permeability, and was blocked by depletion of epithelial plasma membrane cholesterol. Invasion-defective mutants and Campylobacter-conditioned cell culture medium also induced E. coli translocation, indicating that C. jejuni does not directly 'shuttle' bacteria into enterocytes. In C. jejuni-treated monolayers, translocating E. coli associated with lipid rafts, and this phenomenon was blocked by cholesterol depletion.

Conclusion

Campylobacter, regardless of its own invasiveness, promotes the translocation of non-invasive bacteria across the intestinal epithelium via a lipid raft-mediated transcellular process.
Survey of physician knowledge regarding antiretroviral medications in hospitalized HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Arshad Saarah , Rothberg Michael , Rastegar Darius A , Spooner Linda M , Skiest Daniel
Published: February 2009

Background

Antiretroviral prescribing errors are common among hospitalized patients. Inadequate medical knowledge is likely one of the factors leading to these errors. Our objective was to determine the proportion of hospital physicians with knowledge gaps about prescribing antiretroviral medications for hospitalized HIV‐infected patients and to correlate knowledge with length and type of medical training and experience.

Methods

We conducted an electronic survey comprising of ten clinical scenarios based on antiretroviral‐prescribing errors seen at two community teaching hospitals. It also contained demographic questions regarding length and type of medical training and antiretroviral prescribing experience. Three hundred and forty three physicians at both hospitals were asked to anonymously complete the survey between February 2007 and April 2007.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐seven physicians (46%) completed at least one question. The mean percentage of correct responses was 33% for resident physicians, 37% for attending physicians, and 93% for Infectious Diseases or HIV (ID/HIV) specialist physicians. Higher scores were independently associated with ID/HIV specialty, number of outpatients seen per month and physician reported comfort level in managing HIV patients (P < .001).

Conclusion

Non‐ID/HIV physicians had uniformly poor knowledge of common antiretroviral medication regimens. Involvement of ID/HIV specialists in the prescribing of antiretrovirals in hospitalized patients might mitigate prescribing errors stemming from knowledge deficits.
Mechanical ventilation using non-injurious ventilation settings causes lung injury in the absence of pre-existing lung injury in healthy mice
Authors: Wolthuis Esther K , Vlaar Alexander PJ , Choi Goda , Roelofs Joris JTH , Juffermans Nicole P , Schultz Marcus J
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Mechanical ventilation (MV) may cause ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Present models of VILI use exceptionally large tidal volumes, causing gross lung injury and haemodynamic shock. In addition, animals are ventilated for a relative short period of time and only after a 'priming' pulmonary insult. Finally, it is uncertain whether metabolic acidosis, which frequently develops in models of VILI, should be prevented. To study VILI in healthy mice, the authors used a MV model with clinically relevant ventilator settings, avoiding massive damage of lung structures and shock, and preventing metabolic acidosis.

Methods

Healthy C57Bl/6 mice (n = 66) or BALB/c mice (n = 66) were ventilated (tidal volume = 7.5 ml/kg or 15 ml/kg; positive end-expiratory pressure = 2 cmH2O; fraction of inspired oxygen = 0.5) for five hours. Normal saline or sodium bicarbonate were used to correct for hypovolaemia. Lung histopathology, lung wet-to-dry ratio, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein content, neutrophil influx and levels of proinflammatory cytokines and coagulation factors were measured.

Results

Animals remained haemodynamically stable throughout the whole experiment. Lung histopathological changes were minor, although significantly more histopathological changes were found after five hours of MV with a larger tidal volume. Lung histopathological changes were no different between the strains. In both strains and with both ventilator settings, MV caused higher wet-to-dry ratios, higher bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein levels and more influx of neutrophils, and higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and coagulation factors. Also, with MV higher systemic levels of cytokines were measured. All parameters were higher with larger tidal volumes. Correcting for metabolic acidosis did not alter endpoints.

Conclusions

MV induces VILI, in the absence of a priming pulmonary insult and even with use of relevant (least injurious) ventilator settings. This model offers opportunities to study the pathophysiological mechanisms behind VILI and the contribution of MV to lung injury in the absence of pre-existing lung injury.
Comparison between Contemporary Architectural Form in Cities with High versus Low Seismicity
Authors: Charleson Andrew
Published: February 2009

This study investigates whether seismic design constraints reduce the architectural interest of buildings in areas subject to high rather than low seismicity. Sixty-three of the most architecturally interesting low-rise buildings from 20 cities, half of which are located in high-seismicity zones, were assessed aesthetically and analyzed structurally. On average, each group of buildings was found to possess the same level of architectural interest and degree of configuration irregularity. Reinforced concrete shear walls were found to be the predominant lateral force resisting system. A concentration of building types in the low-seismicity set of buildings that used structural walls for physical security and other purposes led to the unexpected result of those buildings possessing significantly greater structural footprints than buildings from high-seismicity areas. This finding serves as a reminder that structural elements play far more roles in architecture than merely resisting lateral forces.
Prediction of Spectral Acceleration Response Ordinates Based on PGA Attenuation
Authors: Graizer Vladimir , Kalkan Erol
Published: February 2009

Developed herein is a new peak ground acceleration (PGA)-based predictive model for 5% damped pseudospectral acceleration (SA) ordinates of free-field horizontal component of ground motion from shallow-crustal earthquakes. The predictive model of ground motion spectral shape (i.e., normalized spectrum) is generated as a continuous function of few parameters. The proposed model eliminates the classical exhausted matrix of estimator coefficients, and provides significant ease in its implementation. It is structured on the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) database with a number of additions from recent Californian events including 2003 San Simeon and 2004 Parkfield earthquakes. A unique feature of the model is its new functional form explicitly integrating PGA as a scaling factor. The spectral shape model is parameterized within an approximation function using moment magnitude, closest distance to the fault (fault distance) and [Formula: see text] (average shear-wave velocity in the upper [Formula: see text]) as independent variables. Mean values of its estimator coefficients were computed by fitting an approximation function to spectral shape of each record using robust nonlinear optimization. Proposed spectral shape model is independent of the PGA attenuation, allowing utilization of various PGA attenuation relations to estimate the response spectrum of earthquake recordings.
Performance of Suspended Pipes and Their Anchorages During Shake Table Testing of a Seven-Story Building
Authors: Hoehler Matthew S. , Panagiotou Marios , Restrepo José I. , Silva John F. , Floriani Lucas , Bourgund Ulrich , Gassner Helmut
Published: February 2009

This paper presents results of shake table tests on pipe systems anchored in a full-scale, seven-story building performed on the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table at the University of California at San Diego on 1 May 2006. The purpose of the tests was to investigate the forces that act on post-installed anchors in buildings during a diverse range of earthquake ground motions. A sound understanding of the force levels and number of cycles is important for developing reliable anchor qualification approaches and seismic design guidelines. The tests also provide data on floor accelerations and acceleration amplification for nonstructural components in buildings during seismic events.
Retrofitted Bridge Fragility Analysis for Typical Classes of Multispan Bridges
Authors: Padgett Jamie E. , DesRoches Reginald
Published: February 2009

Retrofitted bridge fragility curves provide a powerful tool for assessing the effect of retrofit measures on the seismic performance of different bridge types under a range of loading levels. Traditional methods for retrofit assessment typically evaluate the effectiveness of retrofit based on the performance of individual components. However, the use of fragility curves for retrofitted bridges has the ability to capture the impact of retrofit on the bridge system vulnerability. Using three-dimensional nonlinear analysis, fragility curves are developed for four common classes of multispan bridges and five retrofit methods. The results show that the effectiveness of retrofit is a function of bridge type and damage state. General conclusions of the influence of the different retrofit measures on the fragility of each class of typical bridges in the Central and Southeastern United States, as well as the fragility parameters, are presented. The results from this work can be used to enhance regional seismic risk assessment and can form the basis for retrofit cost-benefit studies.
Structural Performance of Stapled Wood Shear Walls Under Dynamic Cyclic Loads
Authors: Talbot Kenneth C. , Reaveley Lawrence D. , Pantelides Chris P.
Published: February 2009

Wood shear walls are the most common element in the lateral force-resisting system of residential construction. Recent developments have made the use of staples, as a sheathing-to-stud connection, much more feasible and practical. Dynamic cyclic tests of wood shear walls using staples as connectors of sheathing to the studs were performed to determine load and displacement capacities. Enhanced details from standard construction were used to improve the performance of the global system including a double sill plate, a new refined panel corner detail, double staples along blocked edges, and backup bolts for hold-downs. At the strength level, the stapled wood shear walls with enhanced details performed above the International Building Code-IBC (ICC 2006) regarding peak load capacity; however, peak drift capacity was 88% of the specified capacity. The test results were used to determine acceptance criteria, which were compared to the ASCE 41-06 Standard for Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings (ASCE 2007).
Assessment of Continuous Span Bridges through Nonlinear Static Procedures
Authors: Pinho Rui , Monteiro Ricardo , Casarotti Chiara , Delgado Raimundo
Published: February 2009

Nonlinear static procedures constitute an important tool in design office application of performance-based earthquake engineering concepts, and for this reason, they have been extensively developed and promoted in the last decade or so. However, these efforts focused predominantly on the assessment of buildings, rather than bridges, and hence there is currently a need to verify the validity in the application of such pushover-based methods for the assessment of bridges or viaducts. In this work, therefore, by considering a wide set of bridge configurations subjected to equally varying seismic input intensity levels, four commonly employed nonlinear static procedures (CSM, N2, MPA, ACSM) are scrutinized and compared, with a view to establish their adequacy for the seismic assessment of existing continuous span bridges. Results seem to indicate that all methods are able to predict displacement response with good accuracy, while force estimation, on the other hand, is reasonably attained only by those approaches where higher modes effects are explicitly accounted for.
Code-Oriented Damage Assessment for Buildings
Authors: Graf William P. , Lee Yajie
Published: February 2009

In this study, we present a simple framework for the evaluation of the cost to repair building damage using engineering parameters related to current seismic building codes. Specifically, we envision relationships for building damage repair cost as a function of ground shaking spectral acceleration (Sa at structural period, T), design base shear coefficient (V/W), response modification factor (R), height, and framing system. This framework provides a flexible system for collecting and evaluating building damage from ground shaking, improving the building code, and predicting earthquake damage repair costs to new or existing, or retrofitted buildings, in a wide variety of seismic environments. In the absence of comprehensive statistical earthquake damage data, we resample the ATC-13 damage database to calibrate an initial damage model. We call the model CODA, for Code-Oriented Damage Assessment for Buildings.
Principal Component Analysis for Predicting the Response of Nonlinear Base-Isolated Buildings
Authors: Narasimhan Sriram , Wang Min , Pandey Mahesh
Published: February 2009

In the design of base-isolated buildings, a critical parameter governing the selection of isolator parameters is the peak displacement of the isolation layer. In this study, a model is developed in order to predict the peak base displacements utilizing multiple ground motion parameters, called intensity measures (IMs), as the inputs. The issue of correlation between various IMs is addressed through principal component analysis (PCA). This method also lends itself to dimensionality reduction, as those components that do not contribute significantly to the variance are discarded. The prediction intervals from the model are compared with the results from nonlinear dynamic analysis. An important conclusion is that by using the PCA based model, the standard errors remain relatively small and constant for a wide range of isolation periods. It is therefore clear that by utilizing multiple IMs and accounting for their correlation effects, it is possible to estimate the responses of base-isolated buildings with good confidence.
Effects of Food on the Relative Bioavailability of Lapatinib in Cancer Patients
Authors: Koch Kevin M. , Reddy Nandi J. , Cohen Roger B. , Lewis Nancy L. , Whitehead Bonnie , Mackay Kathleen , Stead Andrew , Beelen Andrew P. , Lewis Lionel D.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This study was conducted to characterize the effect of food on the relative bioavailability of lapatinib.

Patients and Methods

A single 1,500-mg, oral dose of lapatinib was administered to 27 patients with advanced solid tumors on each of three occasions that were 1 week apart, in random order: after an overnight fast, with a low-fat breakfast, and with a high-fat breakfast.

Results

The low-fat breakfast produced mean increases in lapatinib area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 167% (2.67-fold) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of 142% (2.42-fold). The high-fat breakfast produced mean increases in lapatinib AUC of 325% (4.25-fold) and Cmaxof 203% (3.03-fold) compared with the fasted state. Increased bioavailability in the fed state did not significantly decrease relative variability. Therefore, absolute variability in systemic exposure was increased.

Conclusion

These large increases in lapatinib bioavailability and absolute variability support the recommendation for dosing in the fasted state to achieve consistent therapeutic exposure. Prescribers and patients should consider the potential consequences of toxicity or diminished efficacy that might result from dosing without regard to variations in diet.
miR-23regulation of lamin B1 is crucial for oligodendrocyte development and myelination
Authors: Lin Shu-Ting , Fu Ying-Hui
Published: February 2009

Duplication of the gene encoding lamin B1 (LMNB1) with increased mRNA and protein levels has been shown to cause severe myelin loss in the brains of adult-onset autosomal dominant leukodystrophy patients. Similar to many neurodegenerative disorders, patients with adult-onset autosomal dominant leukodystrophy are phenotypically normal until adulthood and the defect is specific to the central nervous system despite the ubiquitous expression pattern of lamin B1. We set out to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying this demyelinating phenotype. Increased lamin B1 expression results in disturbances of inner nuclear membrane proteins, chromatin organization and nuclear pore transport in vitro. It also leads to premature arrest of oligodendrocyte differentiation, which might be caused by reduced transcription of myelin genes and by mislocalization of myelin proteins. We identified the microRNA miR-23 as a negative regulator of lamin B1 that can ameliorate the consequences of excessive lamin B1 at the cellular level. Our results indicate that regulation of lamin B1 is important for myelin maintenance and that miR-23 contributes to this process, at least in part, by downregulating lamin B1, therefore establishing novel functions of lamin B1 and miR-23 in the regulation of oligodendroglia development and myelin formation in vitro.
A Stable Cu2O2 Complex Supported by an Asymmetric Dinucleating Pentapyridine Ligand Involving an Amide Linkage
Authors: Tachi Yoshimitsu , Matsukawa Yumi , Teraoka Junji , Itoh Shinobu
Published: February 2009

We have synthesized an asymmetric dinucleating ligand connecting the N3 and N4 coordination sites with an amido linkage and characterized the corresponding dicopper(I) complex by spectroscopic methods. The dicopper(I) complex reacted with O2 at low temperature to yield a (μ-peroxo)Cu2 species with a μ-η1:η2-binding mode. We also explored an effect of this amide linkage that contributed to stabilizing a μ-η1:η2-Cu2O2 adduct.
1,4-Phenylene-bridged Subporphyrin–Porphyrin Dyad, Triad, and Tetrad
Authors: Inokuma Yasuhide , Hayashi Shin-ya , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: February 2009

1,4-Phenylene-bridged subporphyrin–porphyrin hybrid molecules were prepared by the Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reaction of meso-(4-bromophenyl)-substituted subporphyrin 2 and 5-pinacolateboryl porphyrin 3. In all hybrid models examined, intramolecular energy transfer from the subporphyrin moiety to the porphyrin moieties proceeds efficiently.
Hollow Capsules Constructed of Poly(thiophene-3-acetic acid) and Hyperbranched Azobenzene-containing Polymeric Diazonium Salt
Authors: Zhang Haoyu , Li Xinyang , Wang Xiaogong
Published: February 2009

In this work, hyperbranched azobenzene-containing polymeric diazonium salt (HB-DAS) and poly(thiophene-3-acetic acid) (PTAA) were used as building components to fabricate hollow capsules. The capsules were prepared through layer-by-layer self-assembly of the components on PS latex spheres followed by removal of the PS cores with THF dissolution. The TEM, SEM, and AFM observations confirmed that uniform hollow capsules with an average wall-thickness of 5.9 nm were obtained.
Synthesis and Photoelectrochemical Behavior of Nitrogen-doped NaTaO3
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Liu Gang , Chen Zhi-Gang , Li Feng , Lu Gao Qing , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: February 2009

Well-dispersed NaTaO3 particles with a cubic morphology and high crystallinity were prepared by a hydrothermal route. The NaTaO3 was doped with nitrogen by heat treatment in ammonia atmosphere. The nitrogen-doped NaTaO3 shows an additional visible light absorption shoulder up to 550 nm. The photoelectrochemical investigation demonstrated that the photocurrent density of the photoanode of the nitrogen-doped NaTaO3 was enhanced under the irradiation of both UV–visible light and visible light, compared to that of the undoped NaTaO3.
Development of an Active Oxygen Detector Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with a Carbon/Silver Layer
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Matsuoka Mikihiko , Noda Kazutoshi
Published: February 2009

We have developed a new method for detecting active oxygen using a carbon/silver-coated quartz crystal microbalance. Active oxygen is detected by monitoring the increase in frequency due to decreased carbon mass resulting from the reaction with active oxygen. Detection of atomic oxygen radical generated in an oxygen plasma device was verified for practical future application. The results show that this method allows precise measurement of atomic oxygen and accurate detection of the carbon layer’s disappearance from the frequency behavior.
Tetrahedral Cobalt(II) and Zinc(II) Chloride with Tetravanadate through a Tripod Coordination Mode
Authors: Kurata Taisei , Hayashi Yoshihito , Isobe Kiyoshi
Published: February 2009

Polyoxometalate derivatives, ((n-C4H9)4N)3[(MCl)V4O12] (1, M=Co and 2, M=Zn), have been synthesized from reactions of a tetravanadate with CoCl2·6H2O and ZnCl2, respectively. From the variable-temperature 51V and 17O NMR studies of 2, a dynamic behavior of the tetrahedral metal group on the surface of oxide mimic tetravanadate was observed in acetonitrile solution.
Reductive Alkylation and Arylation of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes in Ethylenediamine via Benkeser Reaction
Authors: Tang Xinliang , Jiao Qingze , Cao Yong , Zhang Pei , Liu Hongbo , Wu Hongyu , Zhou Mingji , Li Xuefei , Zhao Yun
Published: February 2009

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were functionalized with alkyl and aryl groups using lithium in ethylenediamine under moderate conditions. This Benkeser reaction was convenient and scalable because no liquid ammonia was used. Raman, infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis as well as UV–vis–NIR spectra were used to characterize the functionalized SWNTs.