bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Meta-analysis of the effect of percutaneous coronary intervention on chronic total coronary occlusions
Authors: Li Ruogu , Yang Shuansuo , Tang Lei , Yang Yiqing , Chen Hui , Guan Shaofeng , Han Wenzheng , Liu Hua , Dai Jinjie , Gan Qian , Fang Weiyi , Qu Xinkai
Published: February 2014

Background and purpose

Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is the last stage of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a therapeutic procedure used to recanalize vessels with total occlusion. However, successful recanalization of CTO is still not optimal, and the key influence factors are still uncertainty. Therefore, a scientific evaluation on the effective of PCI for CTO treatment is necessary.

Methods

Relevant studies of PCI treatment for CTO were examined. Data were extracted and assessed by two independent clinical experts. Embase, PubMed and Medline et al. were used as database. The main research key words include “CTO”, “PCI”, “Stent”, “Reopen”, “long-term”, “follow-up” and “outcome”. Quality assessment was carried out according to the Cochrane Handbook. The selected data were pooled and analyzed using fixed-effect model and random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I
2 test, Q test, L’abbe and Galbraith. Comprehensive Meta -Analysis 2.0 and Metanalysis 1.0 were used for statistics analysis in this research.

Results

A total of 16 articles involving 6695 cases in successful CTO recanalization (CTO success group) and 2370 cases in failed CTO recanalization(CTO failure group) were included in this research. Low CTO success was associated with elder age, previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) history, multi-vessel diseases and right coronary artery disease lesion. Six follow-up variables including major adverse cardiac events (MACE), recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause death, incidence of angina, subsequent CABG and cumulative survival rate were found significantly reduced associated with CTO success.

Conclusions

Clinical baseline characteristics such as age, previous CABG history and lesion baseline characteristics such as lesion length, multi-vessel diseases might be important factors influencing the successful rate of CTO recanalization. Compared to CTO failure patients, all six follow-up variables showed advantage for CTO success patients.
Transport properties of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)-nanoclay composites; a promising material for protective gloves in occupational exposures
Authors: Mirzaei Aliabadi Mostafa , Naderi Ghasem , Shahtaheri Seyed Jamaleddin , Forushani Abbas Rahimi , Mohammadfam Iraj , Jahangiri Mehdi
Published: February 2014

This study was conducted in response to one of the research needs of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), i.e. the application of nanomaterials and nanotechnology in the field of occupational safety and health. In order to fill this important knowledge gap, the equilibrium solubility and diffusion of carbon tetrachloride and ethyl acetate through carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)-clay nanocomposite, as a promising new material for chemical protective gloves (or barrier against the transport of organic solvent contaminant), were examined by swelling procedure. Near Fickian diffusion was observed for XNBR based nanocomposites containing different amounts of nanoclay. Decontamination potential is a key factor in development of a new material for reusable chemical protective gloves applications, specifically for routine or highly toxic exposures. A thermal decontamination regime for nanocomposite was developed for the first time. Then, successive cycles of exposure/decontamination for nanocomposite were performed to the maximum 10 cycles for the first time. This result confirms that the two selected solvents cannot deteriorate the rubber-nanoclay interaction and, therefore, such gloves can be reusable after decontamination.
Indicator pathogens, organic matter and LAS detergent removal from wastewater by constructed subsurface wetlands
Authors: Karimi Behrooz , Ehrampoush Mohammad Hassan , Jabary Hossin
Published: February 2014

Background

Constructed wetland is one of the natural methods of municipal and industrial wastewater treatments with low initial costs for construction and operation as well as easy maintenance. The main objective of this study is to determine the values of indicator bacteria removal, organic matter, TSS, ammonia and nitrate affecting the wetland removal efficiency.

Results

The average concentration of E. coli and total coliform in the input is 1.127 × 1014 and 4.41 × 1014 MPN/100 mL that reached 5.03 × 1012 and 1.13 × 1014 MPN/100 mL by reducing 95.5% and 74.4% in wetland 2. Fecal streptococcus reached from the average 5.88 × 1014 in raw wastewater to 9.69 × 1012 in the output of wetland 2. Wetland 2 could reduce 1.5 logarithmic units of E. coli. The removal efficiency of TSS for the wetlands is 68.87%, 71.4%, 57.3%, and 66% respectively.

Conclusions

The overall results show that wetlands in which herbs were planted had a high removal efficiency about the indicator pathogens, organic matter, LAS detergent in comparison to a control wetland (without canes) and could improve physicochemical parameters (DO, ammonia, nitrate, electrical conductivity, and pH) of wastewater.
Outcome of decompressive craniectomy in comparison to nonsurgical treatment in patients with malignant MCA infarction
Authors: Rahmanian Abdolkarim , Seifzadeh Babak , Razmkon Ali , Petramfar Peyman , Kivelev Juri , Alibai Ehsan-Ali , Hernesniemi Juha
Published: February 2014

Background

Malignant cerebral infarction is a well-recognized disease, comprising 10-15% of all cases with cerebral infarction and causing herniation and death in 80% of cases. In this study, we compare the effects of decompressive craniectomy versus conventional medical treatment on mortality rate and functional and neurological outcome in patients with malignant MCA infarction.

Methods

We performed a prospective case–control study on 60 patients younger than 80years of age suffering malignant MCA cerebral infarction. The case group underwent decompressive craniectomy in addition to routine aggressive medical care; while the control group received routine medical treatment. Patient outcome was assessed using Glasgow outcome scale and modified Rankin scale within three months of follow-up. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0 software using Chi Square, One-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

There were 27 male and 33 female patients with a mean age of 60.6 years (SD = 12.3). Glasgow outcome scale score averaged 2.93 in the surgical versus 1.53 in the medical group; this difference was significant (p = 0.001). Outcome in modified Rankin scale was also significantly lower in the surgical (3.27) versus medical (5.27) group (p < 0.001). Surgery could decrease the mortality rate about 47%.

Conclusion

In this study, decompressive craniectomy could decrease mortality rate, and improve neurological and functional outcome, and decrease long-term disability in patients with malignant MCA infarction.
Optimization of protein production by Micrococcus luteus for exploring pollutant-degrading uncultured bacteria
Authors: Su Xiaomei , Liu Yindong , Hu Jinxing , Ding Linxian , Shen Chaofeng
Published: February 2014

The screening of pollutant-degrading bacteria are limited due to most of bacteria in the natural environment cannot be cultivated. For the purpose of resuscitating and stimulating “viable but non-culturable” (VBNC) or uncultured bacteria, Micrococcus luteus proteins are more convenient and cost-effective than purified resuscitation-promoting factor (Rpf) protein. In this study, medium composition and culture conditions were optimized by using statistical experimental design and analysis to enhance protein production by M. luteus. The most important variables influencing protein production were determined using the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and then central composite design (CCD) was adopted to optimize medium composition and culture conditions to achieve maximum protein yield. Results showed that the maximum protein yield of 25.13 mg/L (vs. 25.66 mg/L predicted) was obtained when the mineral solution, Lithium L-lactate, initial pH and incubation time were set at 1.5 ml/L, 8.75 g/L, 7.5 and 48 h, respectively. The predicated values calculated with the model were very close to the experimental values. Protein production was obviously increased with optimization fitting well with the observed fluorescence intensity. These results verified the feasibility and accuracy of this optimization strategy. This study provides promising information for exploring highly desirable pollutant-degrading microorganisms.
A controlled trial of Partners in Dementia Care: veteran outcomes after six and twelve months
Authors: Bass David M , Judge Katherine S , Snow ALynn , Wilson Nancy L , Morgan Robert O , Maslow Katie , Randazzo Ronda , Moye Jennifer A , Odenheimer Germaine L , Archambault Elizabeth , Elbein Richard , Pirraglia Paul , Teasdale Thomas A , McCarthy Catherine A , Looman Wendy J , Kunik Mark E
Published: February 2014

Introduction

“Partners in Dementia Care” (PDC) tested the effectiveness of a care-coordination program integrating healthcare and community services and supporting veterans with dementia and their caregivers. Delivered via partnerships between Veterans Affairs medical centers and Alzheimer’s Association chapters, PDC targeted both patients and caregivers, distinguishing it from many non-pharmacological interventions. Hypotheses posited PDC would improve five veteran self-reported outcomes: 1) unmet need, 2) embarrassment about memory problems, 3) isolation, 4) relationship strain and 5) depression. Greater impact was expected for more impaired veterans. A unique feature was self-reported research data collected from veterans with dementia.

Methods and Findings

Five matched communities were study sites. Two randomly selected sites received PDC for 12 months; comparison sites received usual care. Three structured telephone interviews were completed every 6 months with veterans who could participate.

Results

Of 508 consenting veterans, 333 (65.6%) completed baseline interviews. Among those who completed baseline interviews, 263 (79.0%) completed 6-month follow-ups and 194 (58.3%) completed 12-month follow-ups. Regression analyses showed PDC veterans had significantly less adverse outcomes than those receiving usual care, particularly for more impaired veterans after 6 months, including reduced relationship strain (B = −0.09; p = 0.05), depression (B = −0.10; p = 0.03), and unmet need (B = −0.28; p = 0.02; and B = −0.52; p = 0.08). PDC veterans also had less embarrassment about memory problems (B = −0.24; p = 0.08). At 12 months, more impaired veterans had further reductions in unmet need (B = −0.96; p < 0.01) and embarrassment (B = −0.05; p = 0.02). Limitations included use of matched comparison sites rather than within-site randomization and lack of consideration for variation within the PDC group in amounts and types of assistance provided.

Conclusions

Partnerships between community and health organizations have the potential to meet the dementia-related needs and improve the psychosocial functioning of persons with dementia.

Trial Registry

NCT00291161
Effect of glomerular filtration rate impairment on diagnostic performance of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and B-type natriuretic peptide as markers of acute cardiac and renal failure in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Donadio Carlo
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Cardio-renal syndromes are characterized by the impairment of cardiac and renal functions. Plasma and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are markers of acute kidney injury (AKI) and heart failure (HF), respectively.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on plasma BNP and on plasma and urinary NGAL concentrations in stable chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients at different functional stages.

Methods

GFR (99mTc-DTPA), plasma BNP, and plasma and urinary concentrations of NGAL were measured in 310 clinically stable CKD patients, at functional stages from 1 to 5. Serum and urinary low-molecular-weight proteins cystatin C and β2-microglobulin, and urinary tubular enzymes were measured for comparison. Plasma BNP, NGAL, cystatin C and β2-microglobulin were measured also in 31 maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Results

Plasma NGAL increased with the reduction of GFR in CKD patients from stage 2. In the different CKD stages modest differences were found for BNP values. Urinary NGAL increased slightly but significantly in patients at CKD stages 4 and 5, similarly to urinary cystatin C and β2-microglobulin. In maintenance hemodialysis patients, plasma NGAL and BNP were markedly increased, and high-flux hemodialysis significantly decreased their plasma concentrations.

Conclusions

Plasma NGAL increases markedly with the reduction in GFR, generating a very high number of false positive diagnoses of AKI in stable CKD patients. The grade of GFR impairment and the cause of kidney disease have a lower effect on urinary NGAL and on plasma BNP. In any case, specific reference values of NGAL and BNP should be used in chronic kidney disease patients, according to their functional stage, when assessing acute kidney injury, heart failure, and cardio-renal syndromes in patients with impaired GFR.
A short-term treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha enhances stem cell phenotype of human dental pulp cells
Authors: Ueda Mayu , Fujisawa Takuo , Ono Mitsuaki , Hara Emilio Satoshi , Pham Hai Thanh , Nakajima Ryu , Sonoyama Wataru , Kuboki Takuo
Published: February 2014

Introduction

During normal pulp tissue healing, inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) or interleukins, act in the initial 48 hours (inflammatory phase) and play important roles not only as chemo-attractants of inflammatory cells and stem/progenitor cells but also in inducing a cascade of reactions toward tissue regeneration or reparative dentin formation or both. Previous reports have shown that inflammatory cytokines regulate the differentiation capacity of dental pulp stem/progenitor cells (DPCs), but none has interrogated the impact of these cytokines on the stem cell phenotype of stem/progenitor cells. This study investigated the effects of a short-term treatment with TNF-α on the stem cell phenotype and differentiation ability of human DPCs.

Methods

An in vivo mouse model of pulp exposure was performed for analysis of expression of the mesenchymal stem cell marker CD146 in DPCs during the initial stage of inflammatory response. For in vitro studies, human DPCs were isolated and incubated with TNF-α for 2 days and passaged to eliminate TNF-α completely. Analysis of stem cell phenotype was performed by quantification of cells positive for mesenchymal stem cell markers SSEA-4 (stage-specific embryonic antigen 4) and CD146 by flow cytometry as well as by quantitative analysis of telomerase activity and mRNA levels of OCT-4 and NANOG. Cell migration, colony-forming ability, and differentiation toward odontogenesis and adipogenesis were also investigated.

Results

The pulp exposure model revealed a strong staining for CD146 during the initial inflammatory response, at 2 days after pulp exposure. In vitro experiments demonstrated that a short-term (2-day) treatment of TNF-α increased by twofold the percentage of SSEA-4+ cells. Accordingly, STRO-1, CD146, and SSEA-4 protein levels as well as OCT-4 and NANOG mRNA levels were also significantly upregulated upon TNF-α treatment. A short-term TNF-α treatment also enhanced DPC function, including the ability to form cell colonies, to migrate, and to differentiate into odontogenic and adipogenic lineages.

Conclusions

A short-term treatment with TNF-α enhanced the stem cell phenotype, migration, and differentiation ability of DPCs.
HIV infection of macrophages is enhanced in the presence of increased expression of CD163 induced by substance P
Authors: Tuluc Florin , Meshki John , Spitsin Sergei , Douglas Steven D
Published: February 2014

Activation of NK1R by SP contributes to increased HIV-1 infection in macrophages. The scavenger receptor CD163 is expressed on cells of monocyte-macrophage origin. Our main goal was to determine if there is interplay among SP, CD163 expression, and HIV infection in macrophages. We showed that SP triggers intracellular calcium elevation and increased CD163 expression in human monocytes in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The role of CD163 on HIV infection was examined by RT-PCR in sorted monocytes (CD163low and CD163high) and in macrophages having CD163 knocked down using siRNA. We found that the productivity of HIV infection was higher in CD163high cells. Additionally, in macrophages with CD163 expression knocked down, we found a significant decrease of HIV infection. Furthermore, Hb-Hp complexes, which function as an endogenous ligand for CD163, decreased HIV infection in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, we demonstrate that SP induces higher levels of CD163 in monocytes and that high expression of CD163 is associated with increases HIV infection in macrophages. Thus, in addition to being a prognostic marker of HIV infection, the expression of CD163 on macrophages may be critical in HIV immunopathogenesis.
Cannabis and stimulant disorders and readmission 2 years after first-episode psychosis
Authors: Sara Grant E. , Burgess Philip M. , Malhi Gin S. , Whiteford Harvey A. , Hall Wayne C.
Published: February 2014

Background

Few studies have examined the impact of stimulant use on outcome in early psychosis. Ceasing substance use may lead to positive outcomes in psychosis.

Aims

To examine whether baseline cannabis or stimulant disorders and ongoing drug use predict readmission within 2 years of a first psychosis admission.

Method

Predictors of readmission were examined with Cox regression in 7269 people aged 15–29 years with a first psychosis admission.

Results

Baseline cannabis and stimulant disorders did not predict readmission. A stimulant disorder diagnosis prior to index psychosis admission predicted readmission, but a prior cannabis disorder diagnosis did not. Ongoing problem drug use predicted readmission. The lowest rate of readmission occurred in people whose baseline drug problems were discontinued.

Conclusions

Prior admissions with stimulant disorder may be a negative prognostic sign in first-episode psychosis. Drug use diagnoses at baseline may be a good prognostic sign if they are identified and controlled.
Convergence in morphology and masticatory function between the pharyngeal jaws of grass carp,Ctenopharyngodon idella, and oral jaws of amniote herbivores
Authors: Gidmark Nicholas J. , Tarrant James C. , Brainerd Elizabeth L.
Published: February 2014

The cellulose-rich walls that protect plant cells are difficult to digest, and therefore mechanical food processing is a key aspect of herbivory across vertebrates. Cell walls are typically broken down by translation of flattened teeth in the occlusal plane (i.e. grinding) as part of a complex, rhythmic chewing stroke. The grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, is a voracious, invasive herbivorous fish that relies solely on its pharyngeal teeth, located in the back of the throat, for mechanical processing of plant material. Here, we describe the musculoskeletal anatomy of the pharyngeal jaws of grass carp and use XROMM to quantify chewing kinematics and muscle strain. The pharyngeal jaws are suspended in a sling of 11 muscles and maintain no bony articulation with any other skeletal elements in the head. The jaws bear long, serrated teeth that are worn during use into flattened tooth cusps. Our kinematic data show that this wear is the result of the teeth being elevated into occlusion against the basioccipital process and keratinous chewing pad, not tooth-on-tooth occlusion. Pharyngeal jaw elevation results from large strains in the jaw elevator muscle, the levator arcus branchialis V, to drive a pulley-like mechanism that rotates the jaws about a pivot point at the symphysis between the left and right pharyngeal jaws. These complex, rhythmic jaw rotations translate the teeth laterally across the chewing surface throughout the occlusion phase. The grass carp chewing system is strikingly similar in gross morphology and masticatory function to herbivorous chewing strategies in other vertebrates.
In vivocranial bone strain and bite force in the agamid lizardUromastyx geyri
Authors: Porro Laura B. , Ross Callum F. , Iriarte-Diaz Jose , O'Reilly Jim C. , Evans Susan E. , Fagan Michael J.
Published: February 2014

In vivo bone strain data are the most direct evidence of deformation and strain regimes in the vertebrate cranium during feeding and can provide important insights into skull morphology. Strain data have been collected during feeding across a wide range of mammals; in contrast, in vivo cranial bone strain data have been collected from few sauropsid taxa. Here we present bone strain data recorded from the jugal of the herbivorous agamid lizard Uromastyx geyri along with simultaneously recorded bite force. Principal and shear strain magnitudes in Uromastyx were lower than cranial bone strains recorded in Alligator but higher than those reported from herbivorous mammals. Our results suggest that variations in principal strain orientations in the facial skeleton are largely due to differences in feeding behavior and bite location, whereas food type has little impact on strain orientations. Furthermore, mean principal strain orientations differ between male and female Uromastyx during feeding, potentially due to sexual dimorphism in skull morphology.
Vocal production complexity correlates with neural instructions in the oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau)
Authors: Elemans Coen P.H. , Mensinger Allen F. , Rome Lawrence C.
Published: February 2014

Sound communication is fundamental to many social interactions and essential to courtship and agonistic behaviours in many vertebrates. The swimbladder and associated muscles in batrachoidid fishes (midshipman and toadfish) is a unique vertebrate sound production system, wherein fundamental frequencies are determined directly by the firing rate of a vocal-acoustic neural network that drives the contraction frequency of superfast swimbladder muscles. The oyster toadfish boatwhistle call starts with an irregular sound waveform that could be an emergent property of the peripheral nonlinear sound-producing system or reflect complex encoding in the CNS. Here, we demonstrate that the start of the boatwhistle is indicative of a chaotic strange attractor and tested whether its origin lies in the peripheral sound-producing system or in the vocal motor network. We recorded sound and swimbladder muscle activity in awake, freely-behaving toadfish during motor nerve stimulation, and recorded sound, motor nerve and muscle activity during spontaneous grunts. The results show that rhythmic motor volleys do not cause complex sound signals. However arrhythmic recruitment of swimbladder muscle during spontaneous grunts correlates with complex sounds. This supports the hypothesis that the irregular start of the boatwhistle is encoded in the vocal pre-motor neural network, and not caused by peripheral interactions with the sound-producing system. We suggest that sound production system demands across vocal tetrapods have selected for muscles and motorneurons adapted for speed, which can execute complex neural instructions into equivalently complex vocalizations.
Cold acclimation alters the connective tissue content of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) heart
Authors: Johnson Amy C. , Turko Andrew J. , Klaiman Jordan M. , Johnston Elizabeth F. , Gillis Todd E.
Published: February 2014

Thermal acclimation can alter cardiac function and morphology in a number of fish species, but little is known about the regulation of these changes. The purpose of the current study was to determine how cold acclimation affects zebrafish (Danio rerio) cardiac morphology, collagen composition, and connective tissue regulation. Heart volume, the thickness of the compact myocardium, collagen content, and collagen fiber composition were compared between control (27°C) and cold acclimated (20°C) zebrafish using serially sectioned hearts stained with picrosirius red. Collagen content and fiber composition of the pericardial membrane were also examined. Cold acclimation did not affect the volume of the contracted heart, however there was a significant decrease in the thickness of the compact myocardium. There was also a decrease in the collagen content of the compact myocardium and in amount of thick collagen fibers throughout the heart. Cold-acclimated zebrafish also increased expression of the gene transcript for matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, and collagen Type 1 α1. We propose that the reduction in the thickness of the compact myocardium as well as the change in collagen content may help to maintain the compliance of the ventricle as temperatures decrease. Together, these results clearly demonstrate that the zebrafish heart undergoes significant remodelling in response to cold acclimation.
Gut microbiota dictates the metabolic response ofDrosophilato diet
Authors: Wong Adam C-N. , Dobson Adam J. , Douglas Angela E.
Published: February 2014

Animal nutrition is profoundly influenced by the gut microbiota, but knowledge of the scope and underlying mechanisms of the underlying animal-microbial interactions is fragmentary. To investigate the nutritional traits shaped by the gut microbiota of Drosophila, we determined the microbiota-dependent response of multiple metabolic and performance indices to systematically-varied diet composition. Diet-dependent differences between Drosophila bearing its unmanipulated microbiota (conventional flies) and experimentally deprived of its microbiota (axenic flies) revealed evidence for: microbial sparing of dietary B vitamins, especially riboflavin, on low-yeast diets; microbial promotion of protein nutrition, particularly in females; and microbiota-mediated suppression of lipid/carbohydrate storage, especially on high sugar diets. The microbiota also set the relationship between energy storage and body weight, indicative of microbial modulation of the host signaling networks that coordinate metabolism with body size. This analysis identifies the multiple impacts of the microbiota on the metabolism of Drosophila, and demonstrates that the significance of these different interactions varies with diet composition and host sex.
Satellite cell activation and populations on single muscle-fiber cultures from adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Zhang Helia , Anderson Judy E.
Published: February 2014

Satellite cells (SC), stem cells in skeletal muscle, are mitotically quiescent in adult mammals until activated for growth or regeneration. In mouse muscle, SC are activated by nitric oxide (NO), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the mechanically induced NO-HGF signaling cascade. Here, the SC population on fibers from the adult, ectothermic zebrafish and SC responsiveness to activating stimuli were assessed using the model system of isolated fibers cultured at 27°C and 21°C. SC were identified by immunostaining for the HGF receptor, c-met, and activation was determined using bromodeoxyuridine uptake in culture or in vivo. In dose-response studies, SC activation was increased by treatment with the NO-donor drug isosorbide dinitrate (1mM) or HGF (10 ng/mL) to maximum activation at lower and higher concentrations, respectively, than in previous studies of mouse fibers. HGF-induced activation was blocked by anti-c-met antibody, and reduced by culture at 21°C. The effect of cyclical stretch (3 hr at 4 cycles per min) increased activation and was blocked by NOS inhibition and reduced by culture at 21°C. The number of c-met+ SC/fiber increased rapidly (by 3 hr) after stretching. The character of signaling in SC activation on zebrafish fibers, in particular temperature-dependent responses to HGF and stretch gives new insights into the influence of ectothermy on regulation of muscle growth in teleosts and suggests use of the single-fiber model system to explore the basis of fiber hyperplasia and the conservation of regulatory pathways between species.
Amination of Alcohols with Ammonia in Water over Rh–In Catalyst
Authors: Takanashi Tsukasa , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: February 2014

Amination of various C3 alcohols such as 1,2-propanediol with ammonia was catalyzed by Rh–In/C in water while Rh/C was totally inactive. Activated carbon FAC-10 was the best support in terms of activity and resistance to metal leaching. In the amination of 1,2-propanediol, Rh–In/C produced amino alcohols in 68% total selectivity and 38% conversion. XRD and TEM measurements showed that Rh–In alloy particle with size of 3–4 nm was formed on the carbon support.
Estimation of the Distribution of Excited [2 + 2] Cyclic Reaction Paths through Conical Intersection by CiLC Analysis
Authors: Sakai Shogo , Nakamura Keita , Ito Shoko
Published: February 2014

The excitation of singlet reaction paths through a conical intersection for the [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of two ethylene molecules was studied by the complete active space self-consistent-field method. The electronic states in the conical intersection region were analyzed by the CiLC (CI/LMO/CASSCF) method. Drastic variations in the bond weights observed by CiLC analysis at the circle around the conical intersection corresponded with those observed by dynamic reaction coordinate calculations. The conical intersection was found to have a polarized conformation.
Formation of Thin Molecularly Imprinted Hydrogel Layers with Lectin Recognition Sites on SPR Sensor Chips by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Kuriu Yoshiaki , Kawamura Akifumi , Uragami Tadashi , Miyata Takashi
Published: February 2014

We prepared lectin-imprinted hydrogel layers on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor chips by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In a buffer solution with a target protein, the SPR signal and binding constant of the lectin-imprinted hydrogel layer chip were much larger than those of the nonimprinted hydrogel layer chip prepared without using a template lectin. By molecular imprinting with ATRP, recognition sites for the target lectin were formed within thin hydrogel layers on the SPR sensor chips. The lectin-imprinted hydrogel layer chips with recognition sites for target protein are candidates for highly sensitive sensor devices for an SPR sensing system.
Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution/High Accuracy (Tandem) Mass Spectrometry-Based Identification of in vivo Generated Metabolites of the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator ACP-105 for Doping Control Purposes
Authors: Thevis Mario , Thomas Andreas , Piper Thomas , Krug Oliver , Delahaut Philippe , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: February 2014

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) represent an emerging class of therapeutics which have been prohibited in sport as anabolic agents according to the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2008. Within the past three years, numerous adverse analytical findings with SARMs in routine doping control samples have been reported despite missing clinical approval of these substances. Hence, preventive doping research concerning the metabolism and elimination of new therapeutic entities of the class of SARMs are vital for efficient and timely sports drug testing programs as banned compounds are most efficiently screened when viable targets (for example, characteristic metabolites) are identified. In the present study, the metabolism of ACP-105, a novel SARM drug candidate, was studied in vivo in rats. Following oral administration, urine samples were collected over a period of seven days and analyzed for metabolic products by liquid chromatography-high resolution/high accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry. Samples were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis prior to liquid–liquid extraction and a total of seven major phase-I metabolites were detected, three of which were attributed to monohydroxylated and four to bishydroxylated ACP-105. The hydroxylation sites were assigned by means of diagnostic product ions and respective dissociation pathways of the analytes following positive or negative ionization and collisional activation as well as selective chemical derivatization. The identified metabolites were used as target compounds to investigate their traceability in a rat elimination urine samples study and monohydroxylated and bishydroxylated species were detectable for up to four and six days post-administration, respectively.
Unidirectional Triple Hydrogen Rearrangement in the Radical Cations of Electron-Rich 3-Aryl-1-Propanols: Further Evidence and Limitation
Authors: Kuck Dietmar , Salameh Linda C. , Onwuka Kenneth I. , Letzel Matthias C.
Published: February 2014

The unidirectional triple-hydrogen (3H) rearrangement of the radical cations of 3-aryl-1-propanols bearing an electron-rich substitutent in the para-position was investigated for the diastereomeric 2-(4-dimethylamino)benzylcyclohexanols and 2-(4-dimethylamino)-benzylcyclopentanols and confirmed to be a highly stereospecific feature. Whereas the standard electron ionization (EI) (70 eV) mass spectra of the trans-isomers exhibit very minor (∼ 2%–3%) albeit stereospecific peaks for the relevant C8H13N•+ ions ( m/z 123), the metastable ion [mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE)] spectra show these peaks with significant relative intensity (8%–17%). The respective cis-isomers do not undergo the 3H rearrangement, be it under standard or under metastable-ion conditions. The stereospecific 3H rearrangement is suppressed in the radical cations of cis- and trans-3-(4-dimethylamino)phenylcyclohexanol, the mass and MIKE spectra of which are governed by cleavage processes of the cyclohexane ring, which impedes the stereochemical assignment of the isomers by mass spectrometry. A multistep mechanism for the unidirectional 3H rearrangement is discussed in view of the present and previous experimental data.
Analysis of Organic Aerosols Using a Micro-Orifice Volatilization Impactor Coupled to an Atmospheric-Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Brüggemann Martin , Vogel Alexander Lucas , Hoffmann Thorsten
Published: February 2014

We present the development and characterization of a combination of a micro-orifice volatilization impactor (MOVI) and an ion trap mass spectrometer (IT/MS) with an atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source. The MOVI is a multi-jet impactor with 100 nozzles, allowing the collection of aerosol particles by inertial impaction on a deposition plate. The pressure drop behind the nozzles is approximately 5%, resulting in a pressure of 96 kPa on the collection surface for ambient pressures of 101.3 kPa. The cut-point diameter (diameter of 50% collection efficiency) is at 0.13 μm for a sampling flow rate of 10 L min–1. After the collection step, aerosol particles are evaporated by heating the impaction surface and transferred into the APCI-IT/MS for detection of the analytes. APCI was used in the negative ion mode to detect predominantly mono- and dicarboxylic acids, which are major oxidation products of biogenic terpenes. The MOVI-APCI-IT/MS instrument was used for the analysis of laboratory-generated secondary organic aerosol (SOA), which was generated by ozonolysis of α-pinene in a 100 L continuous-flow reactor under dark and dry conditions. The combination of the MOVI with an APCI-IT/MS improved the detection limits for small dicarboxylic acids, such as pinic acid, compared to online measurements by APCI-IT/MS. The limits of detection and quantification for pinic acid were determined by external calibration to 4.4 ng and 13.2 ng, respectively. During a field campaign in the southern Rocky Mountains (USA) in summer 2011 (BEACHON-RoMBAS), the MOVI-APCI-IT/MS was applied for the analysis of ambient organic aerosols and the quantification of individual biogenic SOA marker compounds. Based on a measurement frequency of approximately 5 h, a diurnal cycle for pinic acid in the sampled aerosol particles was found with maximum concentrations at night (median: 10.1 ng m−3) and minimum concentrations during the day (median: 8.2 ng m−3), which is likely due to the partitioning behavior of pinic acid and the changing phase state of the organic aerosol particles with changing relative humidity.
Determination of Site Selectivity of Different Carcinogens for Preferential Mutational Hot Spots in Oligonucleotide Fragments by Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase Nano Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sharma Vaneet K. , Xiong Wennan , Glick James , Vouros Paul
Published: February 2014

Ion-pair reversed-phase nano liquid chromatography coupled with nanospray ion trap mass spectrometry was used to investigate site selectivity of the known carcinogens N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl and (±)- anti-benzo[ a]pyrene diol epoxide with the synthetic double-strand 14-mer long oligonucleotide fragment of the p53 gene containing two mutational hot-spot codons (5′- P- ACC155 CGC156GTC157CGC158 GC/5′- GCG CGG ACG CGG GT). The investigation was performed using a monolithic polystyrene divinylbenzene capillary column and triethylammonium bicarbonate as an ion-pair reagent. The exact location of the carcinogen on the modified oligonucleotide backbone was determined using characteristic collision-induced dissociation fragmentation patterns obtained under negative-ion mode ionization. In all these cases, the adducted, isomeric oligonucleotides formed were chromatographically resolved and structural identification was performed without any prior deoxyribonucleic acid cleavage or hydrolysis. The knowledge of the site specificity of a carcinogen, especially at purported mutational hot spots, is of paramount importance (1) in establishing the identity of biomarkers for an early risk assessment of the formed DNA adducts, (2) developing repair mechanisms for the formed carcinogen adducted DNA, and (3) understanding the nature of the covalent bond formed and mapping the frequency of the adduction process.
The Analysis of a Smart Jeffcott Rotor with Direct Velocity Feedback Control in the Supercritical Range
Authors: Cupial Piotr , Koziol Mateusz
Published: February 2014

The paper discusses the analysis of the active control of a Jeffcott rotor with the rotational speed in the supercritical range. By the application of collocated sensors and actuators and a suitable control algorithm it has been possible to influence the internal damping of the rotor, which is the origin of self-induced vibrations. By this approach it is possible to increase the range of the stable operation of the rotor. In the paper, a classical analytical two-degree-of-freedom Jeffcott rotor model has been extended to account for the presence of piezoelectric patch sensors and actuators. The applicability of this model has been positively verified through the comparison with the finite element results derived using the Ansys software. Plots have been obtained by both the analytical approach and the finite element method that demonstrate the applicability of velocity feedback to increasing the threshold of instability of the rotor.
Low Frequency Damage Analysis of Electric Pylon Model by Fuzzy Logic Application
Authors: Dominik Ireneusz , Iwaniec Marek , Lech Łukasz
Published: February 2014

The paper presents a proposition of a new method for calculating the damage degree of electric pylon model by fuzzy logic application. Damage changes in constructions manifest themselves in small but detectable variations of frequency. The change of the speed of wave propagation, which is associated with the change of the natural frequency in the system, is caused by the deformation of the examined material. This phenomenon can be used for an indirect analysis of the construction damage. The main aim of the article is presentation of the results of the vibrations analyse of the electric pylons. In the preliminary tests the research was conducted on the simulation data of the electric pylon of power grid. Eight construction elements of pylon in different positions were chosen to simulate the damage by decreasing step by step the Young's modulus. The simulation data was obtained on the basis of the stiffness matrix updated in conjunction with the Finite Element Method. The preliminary research presented in the paper is aiming at creating the software which can monitor in real time the state of electric pylons.
Pharyngeal angiosarcoma following multimodal treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ball SL , Kwong FNK , Young F , Robson AK
Published: February 2014

It is well established that angiosarcoma can develop following radiotherapy. We present an unusual case of angiosarcoma of the pharynx that developed three years after treatment with surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for a T2N2bM0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. The patient was tumour free until developing dysphagia, which was found to be caused by an angiosarcoma. The patient underwent surgery of the pharyngeal angiosarcoma by laryngopharyngectomy, tongue base resection, selective neck dissection and radial forearm microvascular free flap reconstruction. Angiosarcoma following head and neck malignancy is rare but must be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in patients with new symptoms after radiotherapy.
Septic arthritis in the era of immunosuppressive treatments
Authors: Salar O , Baker B , Kurien T , Taylor A , Moran C
Published: February 2014

Immunosuppressants have been the mainstay of treatment for certain inflammatory joint conditions for many years. Developments in this field, namely biological treatments, have led to a change in the classical presentation of acute bone, joint and soft tissue infections. The normal findings of severe pain and tenderness on examination may be absent or simply mimic a typical exacerbation of the chronic joint condition. A minimally raised white cell count and elevated C-reactive protein in the absence of systemic signs of infection may be interpreted as further evidence for the diagnosis of an exacerbation of inflammatory arthritis. We present a unique case of recurrent polyarticular septic arthritis in a patient treated with immunosuppression for refractory rheumatoid arthritis. We hope this article will enable doctors to appreciate and recognise the changing face of septic arthritis in the modern era of immunosuppressant treatments.
Pain after laparoscopic antireflux surgery
Authors: Bunting DM , Szczebiot L , Peyser PM
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The benefits of antireflux surgery are well established. Laparoscopic techniques have been shown to be generally safe and effective. The aim of this paper was to review the subject of pain following laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database to identify all studies reporting pain after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Publications were included for the main analysis if they contained at least 30 patients. Operations in children, Collis gastroplasty procedures, endoluminal fundoplication and surgery for paraoesophageal hernias were excluded. The frequency of postoperative pain was calculated and the causes/management were reviewed. An algorithm for the investigation of patients with pain following laparoscopic fundoplication was constructed.

Results

A total of 17 studies were included in the main analysis. Abdominal pain and chest pain following laparoscopic fundoplication were reported in 24.0% and 19.5% of patients respectively. Pain was mild or moderate in the majority and severe in 4%. Frequency of pain was not associated with operation type. The authors include their experience in managing patients with persistent, severe epigastric pain following laparoscopic anterior fundoplication.

Conclusions

Pain following laparoscopic antireflux surgery occurs in over 20% of patients. Some have an obvious complication or a diagnosis made through routine investigation. Most have mild to moderate pain with minimal effect on quality of life. In a smaller proportion of patients, pain is severe, persistent and can be disabling. In this group, diagnosis is more difficult but systematic investigation can be rewarding, and can enable appropriate and successful treatment.
A systematic review of patient reported outcomes and patient experience in enhanced recovery after orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Jones EL , Wainwright TW , Foster JD , Smith JRA , Middleton RG , Francis NK
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Orthopaedic enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) providers are encouraged to estimate the actual benefit of ERAS according to the patient’s opinion by using patient generated data alongside traditional measures such as length of stay. The aim of this paper was to systemically review the literature on the use of patient generated information in orthopaedic ERAS across the whole perioperative pathway.

Methods

Publications were identified using Embase™, MEDLINE®, AMED, CINAHL®(Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), the Cochrane Library and the British Nursing Index. Search terms related to experiences, acceptance, satisfaction or perception of ERAS and quality of life (QoL).

Findings

Of the 596 abstracts found, 8 papers were identified that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2,208 patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty were included. Patient satisfaction was reported in 6 papers. Scores were high in all patients and not adversely affected by length of stay. QoL was reported in 2 papers and showed that QoL scores continued to increase up to 12 months following ERAS. Qualitative methods were used in one study, which highlighted problems with support following discharge. There is a paucity of data reporting on patient experience in orthopaedic ERAS. However, ERAS does not compromise patient satisfaction or QoL after elective hip or knee surgery. The measurement of patient experience should be standardised with further research.
NFI plots as complementary reference data in forest inventory based on airborne laser scanning and aerial photography in Finland
Authors: Tuominen Sakari , Pitkänen Juho , Balazs Andras , Korhonen Kari , Hyvönen Pekka , Muinonen Eero
Published: February 2014

In Finland, there are currently two, parallel sample-plot-based forest inventory systems, which differ in their methodologies, sampling designs, and objectives. One is the National Forest Inventory (NFI), aimed at unbiased inventory results at national and regional level. The other is the Forest Centreâs management-oriented forest inventory based on interpretation of airborne laser scanning and aerial images, with the aim of locally accurate stand-level forest estimates. The National Forest Inventory utilises relascope sample plots with systematic cluster sampling. This inventory method is optimised for accuracy of regional volume estimates. In contrast, the management-oriented forest inventory utilises circular sample plots with an allocation system covering certain pre-defined forest classes in the inventory area. This method is optimised to produce reference data for interpretation of the remote-sensing materials in use. In this study, we tested the feasibility of the National Forest Inventory sample plots in provision of additional reference data for the management-oriented inventory. Various combinations of NFI plots and management inventory plots were tested in the interpretation of the laser and aerial-image data. Adding NFI plots in the reference data generally improved the accuracy of the volume estimates by tree species but not the estimates of total volume or stand mean height and diameter. The difference between the plot types in the NFI and management inventories causes difficulties in combination of the two datasets.