bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening Indian Plant Species for Antiplasmodial Properties – Ethnopharmacological Compared with Random Selection
Authors: Kantamreddi Venkata Siva Satyanarayana , Wright Colin W.
Published: March 2012

In the search for biologically active plant species, many studies have shown that an ethnopharmacological approach is more effective than a random collection. In order to determine whether this is true in the case of plant species used for the treatment of malaria in Orissa, India, the antiplasmodial activities of extracts prepared from 25 traditionally used species were compared with those of 25 species collected randomly. As expected, plant species used traditionally for the treatment of malaria were more likely to exhibit antiplasmodial activity (21 species (84%) active against Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7) than plant species collected randomly (9 species (32%)). However, of the nine active randomly collected species, eight had not previously been reported to possess antiplasmodial activity while one inactive species had been reported to be active in another study. Of the 21 active species of traditional antimalarial treatments, only six had been reported previously. This study suggests that while the selection of traditional medicinal plants is more predictive of antiplasmodial study, random collections may still be of value for the identification of new antiplasmodial species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polar Constituents of Marrubium thessalum Boiss. & Heldr. (Lamiaceae) and their Cytotoxic/Cytostatic Activity
Authors: Argyropoulou Aikaterini , Samara Pinelopi , Tsitsilonis Ourania , Skaltsa Helen
Published: March 2012

The methanol extract of the aerial parts of Marrubium thessalum Boiss. & Heldr. (Lamiaceae) afforded 30 phenolic metabolites, belonging to the classes of phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids and simple phenolic compounds. The crude methanol extract as well as the secondary metabolites were screened for their cytotoxic/cytostatic effects against four human cancer cell lines, specifically HeLa, MCF‐7, FM3 and HCT‐116 and demonstrated considerable cell growth‐inhibitory activity. The differential cytotoxicity of the compounds implied possible structure‐activity relationships. Selected compounds were evaluated for their toxicity against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, where some of them showed marginal toxic effects. The results suggest that M. thessalum produces secondary metabolites that demonstrate selective anticancer activity concomitantly with reduced toxicity on lymphocytes. The structure of such compounds can eventually lead to the development of novel pharmaceutical agents. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Isoflavone Glycitein 7‐O‐beta‐d‐Glucoside 4''‐O‐methylate, isolated from Cordyceps militaris grown on Germinated Soybeans Extract, Inhibits EGF‐induced Mucus Hypersecretion in the Human Lung Mucoepidermoid Cells
Authors: Kim Jung‐Hee , Park Dong Ki , Lee Choong Hwan , Yoon Do‐Young
Published: March 2012

A new isoflavone glycitein 7‐O‐beta‐d‐glucoside 4''‐O‐methylate (CGLM) has been isolated recently from Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybean extract and has antioxidant activity. In the present study, CGLM was investigated for its suppression of airway mucous hyper‐secretion in epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐treated human lung mucoepidermoid cells. NCI‐H292 cells were treated with CGLM for 1 h, followed by EGF treatment for 24 h. The decrease in cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) production was correlated with reduced levels of protein and mRNA of inducible matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) and also MUC5AC gene expression. CGLM directly inhibited down‐regulated NF‐κB activity, and significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 (p42/p44) in NCI‐H292 cells. These results suggest that CGLM protects NCI‐H292 cells from EGF‐induced damage by down‐regulation of COX‐2, MMP‐9 and MUC5AC gene expression, mediated via blocking the NF‐kappa‐B and p38/ERK MAPK pathways. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of chelating agents in phytoremediation of heavy metals
Authors: Dipu S. , Kumar Anju A. , Thanga Salom Gnana
Published: March 2012

Chelate‐assisted metal uptake by plants has only recently been discovered in the remediation industry. The simultaneous accumulation of lead, arsenic, copper, and cadmium in plants after application of chelating agents to soil is a promising technology enhancement for phytoremediation. One of the most powerful and commonly used chelating agents is ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), which forms complexes with many of the metal contaminants within the natural environment. This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of an emergent wetland plant species Typha sp. and floating wetland macrophytes such as Pistia sp., Azolla sp., Lemna sp., Salvinia sp., and Eichhornia sp. in phytoremediation of various heavy metals with addition of a chelating agent such as EDTA. EDTA addition to the treatment systems increased the uptake of heavy metals by plants, which was much pronounced with lead and copper. However, the pattern of uptake by plants was similar as that of heavy metals without EDTA amendments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced dichloroethene biodegradation in fractured rock under biostimulated and bioaugmented conditions
Authors: Bradley Paul M. , Journey Celeste A. , Kirshtein Julie D. , Voytek Mary A. , Lacombe Pierre J. , Imbrigiotta Thomas E. , Chapelle Francis H. , Tiedeman Claire J. , Goode Daniel J.
Published: March 2012

Significant microbial reductive dechlorination of [1,2 14C] cis‐dichloroethene (DCE) was observed in anoxic microcosms prepared with unamended, fractured rock aquifer materials, which were colonized in situ at multiple depths in two boreholes at the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) in West Trenton, New Jersey. The lack of significant reductive dechlorination in corresponding water‐only treatments indicated that chlororespiration activity in unamended, fractured rock treatments was primarily associated with colonized core material. In these unamended fractured rock microcosms, activity was highest in the shallow zones and generally decreased with increasing depth. Electron‐donor amendment (biostimulation) enhanced chlororespiration in some but not all treatments. In contrast, combining electron‐donor amendment with KB1 amendment (bioaugmentation) enhanced chlororespiration in all treatments and substantially reduced the variability in chlororespiration activity both within and between treatments. These results indicate (1) that a potential for chlororespiration‐based bioremediation exists at NAWC Trenton but is limited under nonengineered conditions, (2) that the limitation on chlororespiration activity is not entirely due to electron‐donor availability, and (3) that a bioaugmentation approach can substantially enhance in situ bioremediation if the requisite amendments can be adequately distributed throughout the fractured rock matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.*
Solar‐powered in situ soil washing with surfactant to collect LNAPL
Authors: Miller Charles , Ruffing Steven , Kline Robert
Published: March 2012

This article presents the findings of a sustainable, surfactant‐enhanced, product recovery pilot‐scale study (PSS) completed between January 2010 and May 2010 at the Hydrocarbon Burn Facility located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The goal of this study was to implement a unique, simple, and sustainable light nonaqueous‐phase liquid (LNAPL) recovery process and evaluate site‐specific volumes and rates of LNAPL that could be collected and the degree of soil and groundwater cleanup that could be achieved. The recovery process was a combination of groundwater recirculation at a rate of approximately 2.9 gallons per minute (11.0 liters per minute), soil washing via LNAPL mobilization, and collection of LNAPL via a hydrophobic LNAPL skimmer. A biodegradable surfactant, ECOSURFTM SA‐15, was added to the recirculation line to lower the interfacial tension and facilitate LNAPL recovery via mobilization. All equipment (submersible pump, LNAPL skimmer, surfactant feed pump, controls, and various other equipment) used was powered by a solar panel array. Approximately 60 gallons (227 liters) or 429 pounds (195 kilograms) of LNAPL were collected at the recirculation site over approximately three months during the PSS. The data suggest that surfactant amendments greatly enhanced free product collection. The maximum rate of free product collection was approximately 1 gallon (3.8 liters) per day. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sequestration of metals in active cap materials: A laboratory and numerical evaluation
Authors: Dixon Kenneth L. , Knox Anna S.
Published: March 2012

Active capping involves the use of capping materials that react with sediment contaminants to reduce their toxicity or bioavailability. Although several amendments have been proposed for use in active capping systems, little is known about their long‐term ability to sequester metals. Recent research has shown that the active amendment apatite has potential application for metals‐contaminated sediments. The focus of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of apatite in the sequestration of metal contaminants through the use of short‐term laboratory column studies in conjunction with predictive, numerical modeling. A breakthrough column study was conducted using North Carolina apatite as the active amendment. Under saturated conditions, a spike solution containing elemental As, Cd, Co, Se, Pb, Zn, and a nonreactive tracer was injected into the column. A sand column was tested under similar conditions as a control. Effluent water samples were periodically collected from each column for chemical analysis. Relative to the nonreactive tracer, the breakthrough of each metal was substantially delayed by the apatite. Furthermore, breakthrough of each metal was substantially delayed by the apatite compared to the sand column. Finally, a simple 1‐D, numerical model was created to qualitatively predict the long‐term performance of apatite based on the findings from the column study. The results of the modeling showed that apatite could delay the breakthrough of some metals for hundreds of years under typical groundwater flow velocities. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Active capping technology—New approaches for in situ remediation of contaminated sediments
Authors: Knox Anna S. , Paller Michael H. , Roberts Jesse
Published: March 2012

This study evaluated pilot‐scale active caps composed of apatite, organoclay, biopolymers, and sand for the remediation of metal‐contaminated sediments. The active caps were constructed in Steel Creek, at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. Monitoring was conducted for 12 months. Effectiveness of the caps was based on an evaluation of contaminant bioavailability, resistance to erosion, and impacts on benthic organisms.

Active caps lowered metal bioavailability in the sediment during the one‐year test period. Biopolymers reduced sediment suspension during cap construction, increased the pool of carbon, and lowered the release of metals. This field validation showed that active caps can effectively treat contaminants by changing their speciation, and that caps can be constructed to include more than one type of amendment to achieve multiple goals. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation of flow and mercury transport in Upper East Fork Poplar Creek, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Authors: Malek‐Mohammadi Siamak , Tachiev Georgio , Cabrejo Elsa , Lawrence Angelique
Published: March 2012

As a result of nuclear processing activities started back in the 1950s, the environment in the vicinity of the Y‐12 National Security Complex (Y‐12 NSC) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and surrounding watersheds has been contaminated by nearly 1,000 tons of elementary mercury. To comply with the state and federal surface water quality standards, a significant reduction in mercury concentration to parts‐per‐trillion levels has been proposed. In order to analyze the mercury cycle in the environment and provide forecasting capabilities for the flow and transport of mercury within the Upper East Fork Poplar Creek (UEFPC) watershed, an integrated surface and subsurface flow and transport model has been developed using the hydrodynamic and transport numerical package, MIKE, developed by the Danish Hydraulic Institute. The model has been constructed and calibrated using an extensive collection of historical records (i.e., hydrological data, and mercury concentration measurements in groundwater, soil, and sediment) obtained from the Oak Ridge Environmental Information System database. Daily fluctuations in stream flow, as a result of scattered rainfall, flooding, and flow augmentation, resuspend the contaminated streambed sediments and/or erode the polluted streambank soil and provide a secondary source of mercury to the creek. In order to investigate the significance of sediment‐mercury interactions on the fate and transport of mercury within the UEFPC study domain, simulations were performed for two different cases (i.e., with and without consideration of sediment‐mercury interactions). Computed total suspended solids and mercury concentrations at the integration point of the creek are compared with the corresponding historical records in both cases. As confirmed by the numerical simulations, a substantial portion of the mercury detected in the river is likely in the form of sediment particle–bound mercury (i.e., mercury particulates). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IMPORTANCE OF FLOODPLAIN CONNECTIVITY TO FISH POPULATIONS IN THE APALACHICOLA RIVER, FLORIDA
Authors: Burgess O. T. , Pine W. E. , Walsh S. J.
Published: March 2012

Floodplain habitats provide critical spawning and rearing habitats for many large‐river fishes. The paradigm that floodplains are essential habitats is often a key reason for restoring altered rivers to natural flow regimes. However, few studies have documented spatial and temporal utilization of floodplain habitats by adult fish of sport or commercial management interest or assessed obligatory access to floodplain habitats for species' persistence. In this study, we applied telemetry techniques to examine adult fish movements between floodplain and mainstem habitats, paired with intensive light trap sampling of larval fish in these same habitats, to assess the relationships between riverine flows and fish movement and spawning patterns in restored and unmodified floodplain distributaries of the Apalachicola River, Florida. Our intent is to inform resource managers on the relationships between the timing, magnitude and duration of flow events and fish spawning as part of river management actions. Our results demonstrate spawning by all study species in floodplain and mainstem river habitat types, apparent migratory movements of some species between these habitats, and distinct spawning events for each study species on the basis of fish movement patterns and light trap catches. Additionally,Micropterusspp.,Lepomisspp. and, to a lesser degree,Minytrema melanopsused floodplain channel habitat that was experimentally reconnected to the mainstem within a few weeks of completing the restoration. This result is of interest to managers assessing restoration activities to reconnect these habitats as part of riverine restoration programmes globally. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PATCH CHANGE AND THE SHIFTING MOSAIC OF AN ENDANGERED BIRD'S HABITAT ON A LARGE MEANDERING RIVER
Authors: Greco S. E.
Published: March 2012

The yellow‐billed cuckoo is a state‐listed endangered bird in California. The largest population of cuckoos in California is on the meandering portion of the middle Sacramento River. I studied two time periods (1952 and 1987) of a 127‐km study reach of the Sacramento River to document regeneration and spatial shifts in yellow‐billed cuckoo habitat patches due to fluvial geomorphic processes, vegetation recruitment and succession over a 35‐year period. The spatial co‐occurrence of natural riparian vegetation and floodplain age <65 years were used to identify sub‐patches of cottonwood forest, a preferred habitat element, within larger patches of contiguous riparian forest. Only 247 ha (15%) of the 1664 ha of habitat sub‐patches identified in 1952 were coincident with those in 1987. Seventeen (27%) of the 62 sub‐patches delineated for 1987 emerged anew and independently of the 1952 patches; the remaining 83% formed by shifting adjacent to the patches from 1952. Comparing observation data (1987–1990) with modelled patches (1987) indicates that 79% of the modelled sub‐patches correctly predicted cuckoo presence or absence. The commission and omission errors were 7% and 14%, respectively. The goal of sustaining the yellow‐billed cuckoo population will require that river channel management encourage channel meander dynamics and channel cut‐off to maintain natural regeneration of cottonwood and willow pioneer plant communities. The active management of hydrodynamic (flow) and geomorphic processes, including the use of prescription flows and the removal of bank revetment (riprap), will be important tools towards achieving this goal. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A proposed meta‐model for formalizing systems engineering knowledge, based on functional architectural patterns
Authors: Pfister F. , Chapurlat V. , Huchard M. , Nebut C. , Wippler J.‐L.
Published: March 2012

Design patterns and architecture patterns have been considerably promoted by software engineering. The software oriented tools and methods have been adapted for systems engineering, conforming to the model driven engineering paradigm proposed by the Object Management Group. However, designers of complex sociotechnical systems have specific concerns, which differ from those of software designers. We propose a method of pattern implementation for systems engineering, based on a functional approach and relying on formal conceptual foundations in the form of a meta‐model, which can be used for the management, application, and cataloguing of patterns specific to the field of systems engineering. A pattern instance in the field of control systems is proposed as an example application: © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Development and application of endothelium‐targeted microparticles for molecular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Jefferson Andrew , Wijesurendra Rohan S. , McAteer Martina A. , Choudhury Robin P.
Published: March 2012

Molecular imaging of disease states can enhance diagnosis allowing for accurate and more effective treatment. By specifically targeting molecules differentially expressed in disease states, researchers and clinicians have a means of disease characterization at a cellular or tissue level. Targeted micron‐sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO) have been used as molecule‐specific contrast agents for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and early evidence suggests they may be suitable for use with other imaging modalities. Targeting of MPIO to markers of disease is commonly achieved through the covalent attachment of antibodies to the surface of the particles, providing an imaging agent that is both highly specific and which binds with high affinity. When comparing micron‐sized particles with nanometre‐sized particles, the former provide substantial signal dropout in MRI and confer the sensitivity to detect low levels of target. Furthermore, larger particles appear to bind to targets more potently than smaller particles. Animal models have also demonstrated favorable blood clearance characteristics of MPIO, which are important in achieving favorable signal over background and to attain clearance and disposal. Although the current generation of commercially available MPIO are not suitable for administration into humans, future work may focus on the development of biodegradable and nonimmunogenic MPIO that may allow the use of these imaging agents in a clinical setting. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2012, 4:247–256. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1164

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease
Using the magnetosome to model effective gene‐based contrast for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Goldhawk Donna E. , Rohani Roja , Sengupta Anindita , Gelman Neil , Prato Frank S.
Published: March 2012

Formation of iron biominerals is a naturally occurring phenomenon, particularly among magnetotactic bacteria which produce magnetite (Fe3O4) in a subcellular compartment termed the magnetosome. Under the control of numerous genes, the magnetosome serves as a model upon which to (1) develop gene‐based contrast in mammalian cells and (2) provide a mechanism for reporter gene expression in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There are two main components to the magnetosome: the biomineral and the lipid bilayer that surrounds it. Both are essential for magnetotaxis in a variety of magnetotactic bacteria, but nonessential for cell survival. Through comparative genome analysis, a subset of genes characteristic of the magnetotactic phenotype has been found both within and outside a magnetosome genomic island. The functions of magnetosome‐associated proteins reflect the complex nature of this intracellular structure and include vesicle formation, cytoskeletal attachment, iron transport, and crystallization. Examination of magnetosome genes and structure indicates a protein‐directed and stepwise assembly of the magnetosome compartment. Attachment of magnetosomes along a cytoskeletal filament aligns the magnetic particles such that the cell may be propelled along an external magnetic field. Interest in this form of magnetotaxis has prompted research in several areas of medicine, including magnetotactic bacterial targeting of tumors, MR‐guided movement of magnetosome‐bearing cells through vessels and molecular imaging of mammalian cells using MRI, and its hybrid modalities. The potential adaptation of magnetosome genes for noninvasive medical imaging provides new opportunities for development of reporter gene expression for MRI. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2012, 4:378–388. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1165

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts Outcomes of Gastrectomy in the Elderly
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Iwagami Shiro , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Baba Yoshifumi , Baba Hideo
Published: March 2012

Background

Owing to the increased life expectancy, elderly patients with gastric cancer is also increasing. Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is an assessment tool for nutritional status of surgical patients and possibly predicts prognosis of the patients. The aim of the present study is to clarify the predictive and prognostic significance of PNI in elderly patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

Two hundred ninety‐five patients, including 196 nonelderly patients under 75 years old (group NE) and 99 elderly patients (group E), were eligible. We collected the data on nutritional status and the outcome of gastrectomy, including morbidity, mortality, and survival of these patients. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the prognostic significance.

Results

The PNI was significantly lower in group E than in group NE. Both morbidity and mortality rates after gastrectomy were similar between the groups. Although PNI could not predict the postoperative events in group NE, low PNI might be a risk of mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Although survival after gastrectomy was similar among groups divided by the median PNI value (49.2) in group NE, the prognosis of PNI‐L (<44.7) was significantly poorer than PNI‐H (PNI ≧ 44.7) in group E. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PNI‐L was an independent prognostic factor in the elderly.

Conclusions

The PNI predicts both short‐term and long‐term outcomes after gastrectomy in the elderly.
Does Laparoscopic Appendectomy Impart an Advantage over Open Appendectomy in Elderly Patients?
Authors: Masoomi Hossein , Mills Steven , Dolich Matthew O. , Ketana Noor , Carmichael Joseph C. , Nguyen Ninh T. , Stamos Michael J.
Published: March 2012

Background

The use of laparoscopy in the elderly has been increasing in recent years. The data comparing laparoscopic (LA) with open appendectomy (OA) in elderly patients are minimal. We evaluated outcomes of LA versus OA in perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in elderly patients (aged ≥65 years).

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, clinical data of elderly patients who underwent LA and OA for suspected acute appendicitis were evaluated from 2006 to 2008.

Results

A total of 65,464 elderly patients underwent urgent appendectomy during this period. The rate of perforated appendicitis was twice as high in elderly patients (50 vs. 25%, p < 0.01) and rate of LA in elderly patients was lower (52 vs. 63%, p < 0.01) compared with patients younger than aged 65 years. Utilization of LA increased 24% from 46.5% in 2006 to 57.8% in 2008 (p < 0.01). In elderly patients with acute nonperforated appendicitis, LA had lower overall complication rate (15.82 vs. 23.49%, p < 0.01), in‐hospital mortality (0.39 vs. 1.31%, p < 0.01), hospital charges ($30,414 vs. $34,095, p < 0.01), and mean length of stay (3.0 vs. 4.8 days, p < 0.01) compared with OA. Additionally, in perforated appendicitis in elderly patients, LA was associated with lower overall complication rate (36.27 vs. 46.92%, p < 0.01), in‐hospital mortality (1.4 vs. 2.63%, p < 0.01), mean hospital charges ($43,339 vs. $57,943, p < 0.01), and shorter mean LOS (5.8 vs. 8.7 days, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic appendectomy can be performed safely with significant advantages compared with open appendectomy in the elderly and should be considered the procedure of choice for perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in these patients.
Fludarabine combined with radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced NSCLC lung carcinoma: a phase I study
Authors: Nitsche Mirko , Christiansen Hans , Lederer Katinka , Griesinger Frank , Schmidberger Heinz , Pradier Olivier
Published: March 2012

Background and purpose

Fludarabine is an adenine nucleoside analogue that has significant activity in hematological malignancies and has shown promising activity in combination with radiation in preclinical solid tumor models. We designed a phase I trial exploring concurrent fludarabine and radiotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of fludarabine given with concurrent irradiation.

Materials and methods

Thirteen patients with stage IIIB NSCLC received thoracic irradiation of 60 Gy. Fludarabine was administered during the 5th and 6th week of radiotherapy. Doses started at 10 mg/m2 per day and increased by steps of 3 mg/m2 per day.

Results

At a daily dose of 16 mg/m2, one out of six patients developed a grade 4 leukopenia, and one a grad 3 pneumonitis. Further grade III toxicity was not observed. The dose of 13 mg/m2 was identified as the MTD. All patients developed a fludarabine dose-dependent lymphocytopenia.

Conclusion

Fludarabine can be safely administered concurrently with radiation at a daily dose of 13 mg/m2 during the final 2 weeks of radiotherapy. Further prospective clinical studies are required to establish the potential role of concurrent fludarabine and radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced inoperable NSCLC.
Living donor liver transplantation for patients immunized against human leukocyte antigen
Authors: Shindoh Junichi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Tamura Sumihito , Kaneko Junichi , Yamashiki Noriyo , Aoki Taku , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: March 2012

Background/purpose

The clinical features and perioperative management of liver transplant recipients who are already sensitized against human leukocyte antigen (HLA) prior to transplantation are not yet clear.

Materials and methods

Medical records of living donor liver transplant recipients were reviewed and clinical features of the patients possessing anti‐HLA antibodies were studied.

Results

Among the 470 consecutive living donor liver transplant recipients, 6 patients (1.3%) had preformed anti‐HLA antibodies. A review of the postoperative courses of these patients revealed that the problems included platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) due to immune‐mediated destruction of platelet and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). PTR was observed in patients with anti‐HLA class I antibodies and only HLA‐matched platelet concentrate (HLA‐matched PC) relieved thrombocytopenia. Intravenous gammaglobulin had an additive effect to HLA‐matched PC in some cases, and platelet transfusion from close relatives might be a substitute for HLA‐matched PC in life‐threatening situations. Although the etiology of TMA is unremarkable, the incidence was high (67%, 4/6) compared with that in patients who were not sensitized against HLA (5.6%, 26/464;p < 0.01). Of the four patients, three were complicated with late‐onset TMA.

Conclusions

Considering these clinical features, careful preparation and postoperative management are needed for liver transplant candidates with anti‐HLA antibodies.
Clinical approach for the classification of congenital uterine malformations
Authors: Grimbizis Grigoris F. , Campo Rudi ,   On behalf of the Scientific Committee of the Congenital Uterine Malformations (CONUTA) common ESHRE/ESGE working group: Stephan Gordts, Sara Brucker, Marco Gergolet, Vasilios Tanos, T.-C. Li, Carlo De Angelis, Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo
Published: March 2012

A more objective, accurate and non-invasive estimation of uterine morphology is nowadays feasible based on the use of modern imaging techniques. The validity of the current classification systems in effective categorization of the female genital malformations has been already challenged. A new clinical approach for the classification of uterine anomalies is proposed. Deviation from normal uterine anatomy is the basic characteristic used in analogy to the American Fertility Society classification. The embryological origin of the anomalies is used as a secondary parameter. Uterine anomalies are classified into the following classes: 0, normal uterus; I, dysmorphic uterus; II, septate uterus (absorption defect); III, dysfused uterus (fusion defect); IV, unilateral formed uterus (formation defect); V, aplastic or dysplastic uterus (formation defect); VI, for still unclassified cases. A subdivision of these main classes to further anatomical varieties with clinical significance is also presented. The new proposal has been designed taking into account the experience gained from the use of the currently available classification systems and intending to be as simple as possible, clear enough and accurate as well as open for further development. This proposal could be used as a starting point for a working group of experts in the field.
Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing: What Are We Talking About?
Authors: Weaver Meredith , Pollin Toni I.
Published: March 2012

The term Direct‐to‐Consumer (DTC) genetic testing refers to many different categories of testing. This editorial addresses the issues related to DTC testing for large effect and small effect variants associated with disease. In particular, there are issues of clinical validity and utility, informativeness and residual risk. Genetic counselors are poised to address these issues because of their training in probability and statistical models. The authors suggest that genetic counselors can impact the general public's understanding of DTC test results by: including evaluation of DTC concepts in graduate program curricula, holding AEC plenary sessions about emerging DTC concepts, and helping other professionals understand DTC concepts. Importantly, genetic counselors are advised to continue doing and promoting rigorous research on how people access and use DTC genetic testing and results, as well as gathering empirical data so that discussions of harms and benefits can go beyond theory. It is our hope that genetic counselors in practice will continue to critically evaluate claims made about emerging new tests, including those marketed DTC, in order to provide the best possible services to our patients.
Composition of Multicomponent Surfactant Systems at the Water–Air Interface
Authors: Szymczyk Katarzyna
Published: March 2012

Measurements of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of ternary and binary surfactant mixtures of p‐(1,1,3,3‐tetramethylbutyl) phenoxypoly(ethylene glycols), i.e., ethoxylated tert‐octylphenol with 8, 10 and 16 ethylene oxide groups, respectively called TOP8, TOP10 and TOP16, were carried out at 293 K. Based on the surface tension isotherms, the Gibbs surface excess of surfactants concentration at the water–air interface was determined and then recalculated for the Guggenheim‐Adam surface excess concentration of these substrates. Next the monomer mole fractions of surfactants in the surface layer were determined and compared with those calculated on the basis of both Rosen's approach and the composition in the bulk phase. Taking into account these different values of composition of the mixed monolayer at the water–air interface, the molecular interaction parameters of surfactants, their activity coefficients and the free enthalpy of their mixing were also calculated. As follows from the measurements and calculations, among other things, by the addition of the differences between the values of the mole fraction of surfactants calculated on the basis of Rosen's approach and those determined on the basis of surface excess concentrations, the mole fraction of the solvent at the water–air interface can be determined.
Physicochemical Studies of 4‐Substituted N‐(2‐Mercaptophenyl)‐Salicylideneimines: Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in an Acid Medium
Authors: Kesavan Devarayan , Tamizh Manoharan Muthu , Gopiraman Mayakrishnan , Sulochana Nagarajan , Karvembu Ramasamy
Published: March 2012

A series of 4‐substituted N‐(2‐mercaptophenyl)salicylideneimine Schiff bases were synthesized and investigated for corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloric acid medium. Inhibition through adsorption mechanism is proposed for these inhibitors, which is well supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and Scanning Electron Microscope morphologies of inhibited and uninhibited mild steel specimens. The negative ∆Gads indicates the spontaneous adsorption of the inhibitor on a mild steel surface. Among all the examined inhibitors, 5‐bromo‐N‐(2‐mercaptophenyl)salicylideneimine showed a higher inhibition efficiency. In order to reveal the usefulness of these Schiff bases as corrosion inhibitors under various circumstances, weight loss measurements were performed at various temperatures, acid concentrations and immersion times.
Enzymatic Synthesis of trans‐Free Structured Margarine Fat Analogues Using Stearidonic Acid Soybean and High Stearate Soybean Oils
Authors: Pande Garima , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: March 2012

Enzymatic synthesis of trans‐free structured margarine fat analogues from stearidonic acid (SDA) soybean oil and high stearate soybean oil was optimized using response surface methodology. The independent variables considered were the substrate molar ratio (2–5), temperature (50–65 °C), time (6–22 h), and enzymes (Lipozyme® TLIM and Novozym® 435). The dependent variables were mol% stearic acid incorporation and mol% SDA content. A good‐fit model was constructed using regression analysis with backward elimination and verified by a Chi‐square test. Desirable and optimal products composition were achieved at 50 °C, 18 h, 2:1, using Lipozyme TLIM, with 15.6 mol% stearic acid and 9.2 mol% SDA in the product and at 58 °C, 14 h, 2:1, using Novozym 435, with 14.8 mol% stearic acid and 6.4 mol% SDA. Using optimal conditions, structured lipids (SL) were synthesized in a 1 L stir‐batch reactor and free fatty acids removed by short‐path distillation. SL were characterized for their fatty acid profile, sn‐2 positional fatty acids, triacylglycerol profile, polymorphism, thermal behavior, and solid fat content. The SL had a desirable fatty acid profile, physical properties, and a suitable β′ polymorph content. These SL could be used as margarine fat analogues and an alternative to partially hydrogenated fat.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Human Milk Fat Substitutes from Palm Stearin in a Continuous Packed Bed Reactor
Authors: Zou Xiaoqiang , Huang Jianhua , Jin Qingzhe , Liu Yuanfa , Song Zhihua , Wang Xingguo
Published: March 2012

Structured lipids (SL) with similar fatty acid (FA) composition and distribution to human milk fat (HMF) were synthesized by lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis of chemically interesterified palm stearin (IV = 35.6) with mixed FA of stearic acid and myristic acid and FA from rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and palm kernel oil in a continuous packed bed reactor. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the reaction system with three selected parameters, namely residence time, temperature, and substrate molar ratio. The best‐fitting quadratic models were obtained for the contents of palmitic acid (PA) and PA at the sn‐2 position (sn‐2 PA) by multiple regressions and the determination coefficient (R2) values for the models were 0.9886 and 0.9799, respectively. The optimal conditions generated from the models were as follows: residence time, 2.7 h; temperature, 58 °C; substrate molar ratio, 9.5 mol/mol. Under these conditions, the contents of PA and sn‐2 PA were 28.8 and 53.2%, respectively, and other FA observed in the experiments were all within the range of corresponding FA of HMF. The similarity of the product obtained to HMF was evaluated by the cited model. The scores for total and sn‐2 FA of the product were 45.2 and 38.4, respectively, and the total score for the product was 83.6, which indicated a high degree of similarity of the product to HMF.
The use of progress testing
Authors: Schuwirth Lambert W. T. , Van der Vleuten Cees P. M.
Published: March 2012

Progress testing is gaining ground rapidly after having been used almost
exclusively in Maastricht and Kansas City. This increased popularity is understandable
considering the intuitive appeal longitudinal testing has as a way to predict future
competence and performance. Yet there are also important practicalities. Progress
testing is longitudinal assessment in that it is based on subsequent equivalent, yet
different, tests. The results of these are combined to determine the growth of
functional medical knowledge for each student, enabling more reliable and valid decision
making about promotion to a next study phase. The longitudinal integrated assessment
approach has a demonstrable positive effect on student learning behaviour by
discouraging binge learning. Furthermore, it leads to more reliable decisions as well as
good predictive validity for future competence or retention of knowledge. Also, because
of its integration and independence of local curricula, it can be used in a multi-centre
collaborative production and administration framework, reducing costs, increasing
efficiency and allowing for constant benchmarking. Practicalities include the relative
unfamiliarity of faculty with the concept, the fact that remediation for students with a
series of poor results is time consuming, the need to embed the instrument carefully
into the existing assessment programme and the importance of equating subsequent tests
to minimize test-to-test variability in difficulty. Where it has been
implemented—collaboratively—progress testing has led to satisfaction, provided the
practicalities are heeded well.
The bacterial‐type phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase isozyme from developing castor oil seeds is subject to in vivo regulatory phosphorylation at serine‐451
Authors: Dalziel Katie J. , O'Leary Brendan , Brikis Carolyne , Rao Srinath K. , She Yi-Min , Cyr Terry , Plaxton William C.
Published: March 2012

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a tightly controlled anaplerotic enzyme situated at a pivotal branch point of plant carbohydrate‐metabolism. In developing castor oil seeds (COS) a novel allosterically‐densensitized 910‐kDa Class‐2 PEPC hetero‐octameric complex arises from a tight interaction between 107‐kDa plant‐type PEPC and 118‐kDa bacterial‐type PEPC (BTPC) subunits. Mass spectrometry and immunoblotting with anti‐phosphoSer451 specific antibodies established that COS BTPC is in vivo phosphorylated at Ser451, a highly conserved target residue that occurs within an intrinsically disordered region. This phosphorylation was enhanced during COS development or in response to depodding. Kinetic characterization of a phosphomimetic (S451D) mutant indicated that Ser451 phosphorylation inhibits the catalytic activity of BTPC subunits within the Class‐2 PEPC complex.
Dynamics of a viscous layer flowing radially over an inviscid ocean
Authors: Pegler Samuel S. , Worster M. Grae
Published: March 2012

We present a theoretical and experimental study of a viscous fluid layer spreading over a deep layer of denser, inviscid fluid. Specifically, we study an axisymmetric flow produced by a vertical line source. Close to the source, the flow is controlled viscously, with a balance between radial compressive stresses and hoop stresses. Further out, the flow is driven by gradients in the buoyancy force and is resisted by viscous extensional and hoop stresses. An understanding of these different fluid-mechanical relationships is developed by asymptotic analyses for early times and for the near and far fields at late times. Confirmation of the late-time, far-field behaviour is obtained from a series of laboratory experiments in which golden syrup was injected into denser solutions of potassium carbonate. We use our mathematical solutions to discuss a physical mechanism by which horizontal viscous stresses in a spreading ice shelf, such as those in West Antarctica, can buttress the grounded ice sheet that supplies it.
The attraction between a flexible filament and a point vortex
Authors: Alben Silas
Published: March 2012

We determine the inviscid dynamics of a point vortex in the vicinity of a flexible filament. For a wide range of filament bending rigidities, the filament is attracted to the point vortex, which generally moves tangentially to it. We find evidence that the point vortex collides with the filament at a critical time, with the separation distance tending to zero like a square root of temporal distance from the critical time. Concurrent with the collision, we find divergences of pressure loading on the filament, filament vortex sheet strength, filament curvature and velocity. We derive the corresponding power laws using the governing equations.
Ciguapas in New York: Transcultural Ethnicity and Transracialization in Dominican American Performance
Authors: DURÁN-ALMARZA EMILIA MARÍA
Published: March 2012

The Dominican American community in New York is perhaps one of the best examples of how processes of transculturation are affecting traditional definitions of ethnic identification. Given the intense economic, social and cultural transnational exchanges between the island and the USA from the 1960s, Dominicanyorks have been challenging the illusion of homogeneity in the definition of Americanness for decades, creating transnational social networks that transcend traditional national and ethnographic boundaries. The theatrical works of Josefina Báez, a Dominican American performer living in New York, and Sherezada (Chiqui) Vicioso, a Dominican poet and playwright who lived and worked in the US metropolis for decades before moving back to the Dominican Republic, lyrically explore issues of diaspora, identity and migration and the impact these phenomena might have in the lives of migrant Dominican women. Presenting diasporic experiences from two differing but interconnected locales – New York and the Dominican Republic – these plays offer two complementary views on the ways in which ethnicity, race, social class, age and geopolitical location interact in the formation of transcultural identities, thus contributing to develop a hemispheric approach to the study of identity formation in the Americas.
Home Songs and the Melodramatic Imagination: From “Home, Sweet Home” toThe Birth of a Nation
Authors: BENNETT BRIDGET
Published: March 2012

In this essay I examine the importance of home within what Peter Brooks has called “the melodramatic imagination.” Arguing that nineteenth-century theatrical melodrama has a long afterlife, I examine the significance of John Howard Payne's song “Home Sweet Home” in two of D. W. Griffith's films,Home Sweet Home(1913) andThe Birth of a Nation(1915). I show that home is elevated to a sacred site within melodrama and that, within Griffith's infamous 1915 film, this sacred site is a white southern home which he takes to represent the nation. Melodrama is an ethical drama in which virtue and vice face each other. Home, as a crucial element of melodrama, is often represented as its site of confrontation, indeed is often precisely what is at stake within such confrontations. Given the political potency of home in arguments about nation and identity, the confrontation between virtue and vice over home has powerful potential to articulate issues of belonging and exclusion, desire and longing. The intermingling of representations of home and melodrama, combined with the long afterlife of nineteenth-century theatrical melodrama, makes understanding and scrutinizing these formations an important critical act.
Passing for Solitude: Incest and Ideology in the Lone Star State
Authors: LAHR-VIVAZ ELENA
Published: March 2012

John Sayles's Lone Star, released in 1996, repeatedly challenges traditional definitions of the nation as a strictly bounded entity through its depiction of the area that Américo Paredes described as “Greater Mexico” and Gloria Anzaldúa more recently referred to as the Borderlands; the film's promotion of a potentially productive love affair between half-siblings further challenges the status quo. As I argue here, however, while the film undeniably underscores the fragility of the nation in an era of global trade and travel, it also suggests the difficulties of escaping nation-based ideologies and interests. As I will show, Lone Star in fact highlights the ongoing importance of the nation-state through its attention to the institutions and individuals that Louis Althusser associates with state apparatuses, ultimately pointing to the fraught nature of avoiding the influence of the nation as a construct.
Long-term course and outcome in schizophrenia: a 34-year follow-up study in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Newman S. C. , Bland R. C. , Thompson A. H.
Published: March 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to extend an earlier retrospective cohort study of schizophrenia via a prospective study to a follow-up of 34 years, with an emphasis on describing the life-course of the illness.

Method

Subjects were 128 first-ever admissions for schizophrenia in 1963 to either of two mental hospital in Alberta, Canada. Follow-up continued until death or 1997. A symptom severity scale, with scores ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (hospitalized), was used to collect time-series data on each subject and create life-course curves. Indices were constructed to summarize the information in each curve. Information on social functioning was also collected.

Results

Results were similar for men and women. The life-course curves showed marked variability of symptom severity across subjects and over time. The average score over the entire period of follow-up for the cohort indicated ‘moderate’ symptoms, and the change in average score from beginning to end of follow-up demonstrated a slight worsening of symptoms. The measures of social functioning indicated that only about one quarter of the patients had a good to excellent outcome.

Conclusions

The long-term course in schizophrenia is one of varying symptom severity, and for many patients, there is a poor overall outcome.