bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection on retinal blood flow velocity in patients with choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Barak Adiel , Burgansky-Eliash Zvia , Barash Hila , Nelson Darin A. , Grinvald Amiram , Loewenstein Anat
Published: November 2011

Purpose

To study the short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) on retinal blood flow velocity and compare them to clinical outcomes assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and tests of visual acuity.

Methods

The Retinal Function Imager (RFI) was used noninvasively and quantitatively to measure retinal blood flow velocity. Eight patients receiving intravitreal injection of Avastin for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were included in this study. All were imaged by the RFI preinjection and 1 and 7 days postinjection. Visual acuity (VA) and OCT were recorded preinjection and 1 month postinjection. Comparisons were performed using paired Student t test and correlation using Spearman rank test.

Results

A good correlation was found between the 1-month change in VA and OCT measurements and the short-term change induced in blood flow velocity. Arterial and venous velocity changes 1 day after the injection correlated with the VA change (p<0.05). The 1-day arterial velocity changes correlated with total macular volume (p=0.02) and venous velocity changes correlated to central macular thickness (p=0.04).

Conclusions

The RFI provides a noninvasive technique to assess early hemodynamic responses to intravitreal injection of Avastin. These early changes may prove important for better understanding of the mechanism underlying this treatment and serve as a quantitative marker for treatment optimization.
Transurethral Enucleation of Bladder Paraganglioma
Authors: Pedalino Marco , Manini Claudia , Vella Riccardo , Di Primio Otello , Piras Dorino , Cagnazzi Eugenio , Vercesi Enrico , Marino Gaetano
Published: November 2011

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare neoplasm that derives from ganglion cells located in the bladder wall and may morphologically simulate a urothelial carcinoma. The authors present the case of a vesical paraganglioma incidentally detected by ultrasound, and entirely removed by transurethral approach from detrusorial wall. Conventional approaches include surgery (partial cystectomy) or laparoscopic procedures, with inspection by transurethral endoscopy; in this case we wanted to avoid the combined approach considering the lesion diameter and the possibility of an easy removal.
Ex Vivo Models for Training in Endourology: Construction of the Model and Simulation of Training Procedures
Authors: Celia Antonio , Zeccolini Guglielmo
Published: November 2011

Background

Training in endourology by ex vivo models is an effective tool for unskilled urologists to get qualification. Urologists have different kinds of training models at urological conferences, but, in order to get skilled, they need models available at their own department.

Methods

The article describes how to build an ex vivo porcine model to train on the main endourological procedures.

Results

Questionnaires filled by the trainers attending the courses at our department, over the last three years, have proved the high degree of satisfaction about this kind of training system.

Conclusions

Validation studies about these models still lack. The growing interest about them re-quires randomized controlled validation studies in the future, including large numbers of participants.
Phase Transition and Elastic Properties of Zinc Sulfide Under High Pressure from First Principles Calculations
Authors: Wei Dai , Jin-Fan Song , Ping Wang , Cheng Lu , Zhi-Wen Lu , Xiao-Ming Tan
Published: November 2011

A theoretical investigation on structural and elastic properties of zinc sulfide semiconductor under high pressure is performed by employing the first-principles method based on the density functional theory. The calculated results show that the transition pressure Pt for the structural phase transition from the B3 structure to the B1 structure is 17:04 GPa. The calculated values are generally speaking in good agreement with experiments and with similar theoretical calculations.
Novel Approach for Alternating Current (AC)‐Driven Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Perumal Ajay , Fröbel Markus , Gorantla Sandeep , Gemming Thomas , Lüssem Björn , Eckert Jürgen , Leo Karl
Published: November 2011

A novel approach for alternating current (AC)‐driven organic light‐emitting devices is reported, which uses the concept of molecular doping in organic semiconductors. Doped organic charge‐transport layers are used to generate charge carriers within the device, hence eliminating the need for injecting charge carriers from external electrodes. Bright luminance of up to 1000 cd m−2 is observed when the device is driven with an AC bias. The luminance observed is attributed to charge‐carrier generation and recombination, leading to the formation of excitons within the device, without injection of charge carriers through external electrodes. A mechanism for internal charge‐carrier generation and the device operation is proposed.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric α‐Amination of Unprotected 3‐Aryl and 3‐Aliphatic Substituted Oxindoles using Di‐tert‐butyl Azodicarboxylate
Authors: Zhou Feng , Ding Miao , Liu Yun‐Lin , Wang Cui‐Hong , Ji Cong‐Bin , Zhang Yi‐Yu , Zhou Jian
Published: November 2011

The bifunctional quinine‐derived thiourea catalyst 14 was found to catalyze the direct amination of unprotected 3‐aryl and aliphatic substituted oxindoles with di‐tert‐butyl azodicarboxylate (DBAD) to construct a tetrasubstituted stereogenic carbon center at the C‐3 position of oxindoles in good to excellent yield and enantioselectivity.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Chromanones via a Tryptophan‐ Derived Bifunctional Thiourea‐Catalyzed Oxa‐Michael–Michael Cascade Reaction
Authors: Wang Haifei , Luo Jie , Han Xiao , Lu Yixin
Published: November 2011

Tryptophan‐derived tertiary amine‐thiourea catalysts were shown to promote a cascade oxa‐Michael–Michael reaction between ethylene β‐keto esters and nitroolefins, resulting in the formation of 3,3‐disubstituted 4‐chromanones bearing a quaternary center in high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity. The chromanone products can be readily converted to biologically important fused and spiro tricyclic chromans.
Potential of Different Enzyme Immobilization Strategies to Improve Enzyme Performance
Authors: Garcia‐Galan Cristina , Berenguer‐Murcia Ángel , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto , Rodrigues Rafael C.
Published: November 2011

Enzyme biocatalysis plays a very relevant role in the development of many chemical industries, e.g., energy, food or fine chemistry. To achieve this goal, enzyme immobilization is a usual pre‐requisite as a solution to get reusable biocatalysts and thus decrease the price of this relatively expensive compound. However, a proper immobilization technique may permit far more than to get a reusable enzyme; it may be used to improve enzyme performance by improving some enzyme limitations: enzyme purity, stability (including the possibility of enzyme reactivation), activity, specificity, selectivity, or inhibitions. Among the diverse immobilization techniques, the use of pre‐existing supports to immobilize enzymes (via covalent or physical coupling) and the immobilization without supports [enzyme crosslinked aggregates (CLEAs) or crystals (CLECs)] are the most used or promising ones. This paper intends to give the advantages and disadvantages of the different existing immobilization strategies to solve the different aforementioned enzyme limitations. Moreover, the use of nanoparticles as immobilization supports is achieving an increasing importance, as the nanoparticles versatility increases and becomes more accessible to the researchers. We will also discuss here some of the advantages and drawbacks of these non porous supports compared to conventional porous supports. Although there are no universal optimal solutions for all cases, we will try to give some advice to select the optimal strategy for each particular enzyme and process, considering the enzyme properties, nature of the process and of the substrate. In some occasions the selection will be compulsory, for example due to the nature of the substrate. In other cases the optimal biocatalyst may depend on the company requirements (e.g., volumetric activity, enzyme stability, etc).
Microdeletion of Xq28 involving the AFF2 (FMR2) gene in two unrelated males with developmental delay
Authors: Sahoo Trilochan , Theisen Aaron , Marble Michael , Tervo Raymond , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Torchia Beth S. , Shaffer Lisa G.
Published: November 2011

Fragile X E (FRAXE) is an X‐linked form of intellectual disability characterized by mild to moderate cognitive impairment, speech delay, hyperactivity, and autistic behavior. The folate‐sensitive fragile site FRAXE is located in Xq28 approximately 600 kb distal to the fragile X syndrome fragile site (FRAXA) and harbors an unstable GCC (CCG) triplet repeat adjacent to a CpG island in the 5′ untranslated region of the AFF2 (FMR2) gene. The disorder results from amplification and methylation of the GCC repeat and resultant silencing of AFF2. Although chromosome abnormalities that disrupt AFF2 have been reported in two individuals with mild‐moderate intellectual disability, microdeletions of Xq28 that delete only AFF2 have not been described as a potential cause of FRAXE‐intellectual disability. We performed clinical and molecular characterization of two males with 240 and 499 kb deletions, respectively, at Xq28, both of which encompassed only one gene, AFF2. The 240 kb deletion in Patient 1 was intragenic and lead to the loss of 5′ exons 2–4 of AFF2; the 499 kb deletion in Patient 2 removed the 5′ exons 1–2 of AFF2 including approximately 350 kb upstream of the gene. Both individuals had developmental and speech delay, and one had mild dysmorphism. We predict disruption of AFF2 in these two patients is likely the cause of their overlapping phenotypes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A contribution to attribution of recent global warming by out‐of‐sample Granger causality analysis
Authors: Attanasio Alessandro , Pasini Antonello , Triacca Umberto
Published: November 2011

The topic of attribution of recent global warming is usually faced by studies performed through global climate models (GCMs). Even simpler econometric models have been applied to this problem, but they led to contrasting results. In this article, we show that a genuine predictive approach of Granger analysis leads to overcome problems shown by these models and to obtain a clear signal of linear Granger causality from greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the global temperature of the second half of the 20th century. In contrast, Granger causality is not evident using time series of natural forcing. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Biosynthetic concepts for the production of β‐lactam antibiotics in Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Weber Stefan S. , Bovenberg Roel A. L. , Driessen Arnold J. M.
Published: November 2011

Industrial production of β‐lactam antibiotics by the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum is based on successive classical strain improvement cycles. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the results of this classical strain improvement process, and discusses avenues to improve β‐lactam biosynthesis and to exploit P. chrysogenum as an industrial host for the production of other antibiotics and peptide products. Genomic and transcriptional analysis of strain lineages has led to the identification of several important alterations in high‐yielding strains, including the amplification of the penicillin biosynthetic gene cluster, elevated transcription of genes involved in biosynthesis of penicillin and amino acid precursors, and genes encoding microbody proliferation factors. In recent years, successful metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches have resulted in the redirection of the penicillin pathway towards the production of cephalosporins. This sets a new direction in industrial antibiotics productions towards more sustainable methods for the fermentative production of unnatural antibiotics and related compounds.
Biosynthesis of lactate‐containing polyesters by metabolically engineered bacteria
Authors: Park Si Jae , Lee Sang Yup , Kim Tae Wan , Jung Yu Kyung , Yang Taek Ho
Published: November 2011

Due to increasing concerns about environmental problems, climate change and limited fossil resources, bio‐based production of chemicals and polymers is gaining attention as one of the solutions to these problems. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are polyesters that can be produced by microbial fermentation. PHAs are synthesized using monomer precursors provided from diverse metabolic pathways and are accumulated as distinct granules inside the cells. On the other hand, most so‐called bio‐based polymers including polybutylene succinate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and polylactic acid (PLA) are synthesized by a chemical process using monomers produced by fermentation. PLA, an attractive biomass‐derived plastic, is currently synthesized by heavy metal‐catalyzed ring opening polymerization of L‐lactide that is made from fermentation‐derived L‐lactic acid. Recently, a complete biological process for the production of PLA and PLA copolymers from renewable resources has been developed by direct fermentation of recombinant bacteria employing PHA biosynthetic pathways coupled with a novel metabolic pathway. This could be accomplished by establishing a pathway for generating lactyl‐CoA and engineering PHA synthase to accept lactyl‐CoA as a substrate combined with systems metabolic engineering. In this article, we review recent advances in the production of lactate‐containing homo‐ and co‐polyesters. Challenges remaining to efficiently produce PLA and its copolymers and strategies to overcome these challenges through metabolic engineering combined with enzyme engineering are discussed.
Quantum Chemical Description of Absorption Properties and Excited‐State Processes in Photosynthetic Systems
Authors: König Carolin , Neugebauer Johannes
Published: November 2011

The theoretical description of the initial steps in photosynthesis has gained increasing importance over the past few years. This is caused by more and more structural data becoming available for light‐harvesting complexes and reaction centers which form the basis for atomistic calculations and by the progress made in the development of first‐principles methods for excited electronic states of large molecules. In this Review, we discuss the advantages and pitfalls of theoretical methods applicable to photosynthetic pigments. Besides methodological aspects of excited‐state electronic‐structure methods, studies on chlorophyll‐type and carotenoid‐like molecules are discussed. We also address the concepts of exciton coupling and excitation‐energy transfer (EET) and compare the different theoretical methods for the calculation of EET coupling constants. Applications to photosynthetic light‐harvesting complexes and reaction centers based on such models are also analyzed.
Transition from Anodic Titania Nanotubes to Nanowires: Arising from Nanotube Growth to Application in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Lidong , Zhang Sam , Wang Xiu , Sun Xiao Wei , Ong Duen Yang , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhao Dongliang
Published: November 2011

Anodic formation of titania nanowires has been interpreted using a bamboo‐splitting model; however, a number of phenomena are difficult to explain with this model. Herein, transition from nanotubes to nanowires is investigated by varying the anodizing conditions. The results indicate that the transition requires a large number of hydrogen ions to reduce the passivated area of tube walls, and therefore can be observed only in an intermediate chemical dissolution environment. Accordingly, a model in terms of stretching and splitting is proposed to interpret the transition process. The model provides a basis to suppress the nanowires with surface treatments before anodization and to clear the nanowires with an ultrasonication process after anodization. The nanotube–nanowire transition also arises when the tubes are directly used in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Treatment with titanium tetrachloride solution for about 10 h is found to be effective in suppressing the nanowires, and thus improving the photovoltaic properties of the solar cells.
Novel Covalent Bond in Proteins: Calculations on Model Systems Question the Bond Stability
Authors: Ončák Milan , Berka Karel , Slavíček Petr
Published: November 2011

We have investigated the sulfilimine covalent link between methionine (Met) and lysine (Lys), recently identified in collagen IV (R. Vanacore, A.‐J. L. Ham, M. Voehler, C. R. Sanders, T. P. Conrads, T. D. Veenstra, K. B. Sharpless, P. E. Dawson, B. G. Hudson, Science 2009, 325, 1230), and have explored its stability with respect to both the redox processes and UV radiation by means of advanced computational methods. We have concluded that the bond should be present in a protonated state, (NH=S)+. The bond is characterized by a relatively high standard reduction potential, that is, the bond should not be stable in a typical cell environment; if the sulfilimine bond exists (as suggested by the experiment) then the bond has to be supported by the protein environment. The sulfilimine bond then destabilizes the protein structure with respect to the alternative tertiary structure. We discuss conditions under which the bond could be formed as well as other possible structural arrangements consistent with the Met–Lys stoichiometry; some of the alternative bond motifs are more thermodynamically stable than the sulfilimine bond. We suggest that the character of the Met–Lys contact could be approached via NEXAFS spectroscopy. Finally, we show that the protonation brings photostability to the sulfilimine bond.
An mnr2b/hlxb9lb enhancer trap line that labels spinal and abducens motor neurons in zebrafish
Authors: Asakawa Kazuhide , Higashijima Shin‐ichi , Kawakami Koichi
Published: November 2011

Background: The developing nervous system consists of a variety of cell types. Animal models that allow the visualization of specific classes of neurons are crucial for the study of neuronal networks. Results: We performed an enhancer trap screening in zebrafish and generated a collection of transgenic lines that expressed GFP in a spatially and temporally restricted manner. Among the fish generated, we identified an insertion of the enhancer trap construct in the vicinity of the mnr2b/hlxb9lb gene encoding the mnx class of homeodomain transcription factor. The insertion gave rise to GFP expression predominantly in spinal motor neurons and abducens motor neurons. During embryogenesis, GFP expression was also detected in endodermal and mesodermal tissues, where mnr2b is known to be expressed. Conclusion: These results show that the enhancer trap construct recapitulated the expression pattern of the mnr2b gene and this transgenic line should be useful for the visualization of the spinal and abducens motor neurons in the developing nervous system. Developmental Dynamics 241:327–332, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lyn deficiency affects B‐cell maturation as well as survival
Authors: Shahaf Gitit , Gross Andrew J. , Sternberg‐Simon Michal , Kaplan Deborah , DeFranco Anthony L. , Mehr Ramit
Published: November 2011

Lyn, an Src‐family protein tyrosine kinase expressed in B lymphocytes, contributes to initiation of BCR signaling and is also responsible for feedback inhibition of BCR signaling. Lyn‐deficient mice have a decreased number of follicular B cells and also spontaneously develop a lupus‐like autoimmunity. We used flow cytometric analysis, BrdU labeling and our mathematical models of B‐cell population dynamics, to analyze how Lyn deficiency impacts B‐cell maturation and survival. We found that Lyn‐deficient transitional 1 (T1) cells develop normally, but T2 cells develop primarily from the T1 subset in the spleen and fail to also develop directly from BM immature B cells. Lyn‐deficient T2 cells either mature to the follicular B‐cell type at a close to normal rate, or die in this compartment rather than access the T3 anergic subset. The ∼40% of WT follicular cells that were short‐lived exited primarily by joining the T3 anergic subset, whereas the ∼15% Lyn−/− follicular cells that were not long lived had a high death rate and died in this compartment rather than entering the T3 subset. We hypothesize that exaggerated BCR signaling resulting from weak interactions with self‐antigens is largely responsible for these alterations in Lyn‐deficient B cells.
Two phases of replacement replenish the olfactory ensheathing cell population after injury in postnatal mice
Authors: Chehrehasa Fatemeh , Ekberg Jenny A. K. , Lineburg Katie , Amaya Daniel , Mackay‐Sim Alan , St. John James A.
Published: November 2011

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) support the regeneration of olfactory sensory neurons throughout life, however, it remains unclear how OECs respond to a major injury. We have examined the proliferation and migration of OECs following unilateral bulbectomy in postnatal mice. S100ß‐DsRed and OMP‐ZsGreen transgenic mice were used to visualize OECs and olfactory neurons, respectively, and we used the thymidine analogue ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) to identify cells that were proliferating at the time of administration. Following unilateral bulbectomy, there was an initial phase of OEC proliferation throughout the olfactory pathway with a peak of proliferation occurring 2 to 7 days after the injury. A second phase of proliferation also occurred in which precursors localized within the olfactory mucosa divided to replenish the OEC population. We then tracked the positions of OECs that had proliferated and found that there was a progressive increase in OECs in the cavity for at least 12 to 16 days after injury which could not be accounted for solely by local proliferation of OECs within the cavity. These results suggest that OECs migrated from the peripheral olfactory nerve to populate the mass of cells that filled cavity left by bulbectomy. Our results demonstrate that following injury to the olfactory nervous system, the OEC population is replenished by migration of cells that arise from both local proliferation of OECs throughout the olfactory nerve pathway as well as from precursor cells in the olfactory mucosa. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BST‐2 binding with cellular MT1‐MMP blocks cell growth and migration via decreasing MMP2 activity
Authors: Gu Gongping , Zhao Dejian , Yin Ziming , Liu Ping
Published: November 2011

MT1‐MMP (membrane type 1‐matrix metalloproteinase) plays important roles in cell growth and tumor invasion via mediating cleavage of MMP2/gelatinase A and a variety of substrates including type I collagen. BST‐2 (bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2) is a membrane tetherin whose expression dramatically reduces the release of a broad range of enveloped viruses including HIV from infected cells. In this study, we provided evidence that both transient and IFN‐α induced BST‐2 could decrease the activity of MMP2 via binding to cellular MT1‐MMP on its C‐terminus and inhibiting its proteolytic activity; and finally block cell growth and migration. Zymography gel and Western blot experiments demonstrated that BST‐2 decreased MMP2 activity, but no effect on the expression of MMP2 and MT1‐MMP genes. Confocal and immunoprecipitation data showed that BST‐2 co‐localized and interacted with MT1‐MMP. This interaction inhibited the proteolytic enzyme activity of MT1‐MMP, and blocked the activation of proMMP2. Experimental results of C‐terminus deletion mutant of MT1‐MMP showed that activity of MMP2 was no change and also no interaction existed between the mutant and BST‐2 after co‐transfection with the mutant and BST‐2. It meant that C‐terminus of MT1‐MMP played a key role in the interaction with BST‐2. In addition, cell growth in 3D type I collagen gel lattice and cell migration were all inhibited by BST‐2. Taken together, BST‐2, as a membrane protein and a tetherin of enveloped viruses, was a novel inhibitor of MT1‐MMP and could be considerable as an inhibitor of cancer cell growth and migration on clinic. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1013–1021, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insomnia as predictor versus outcome of PTSD and depression among Iraq combat veterans
Authors: Wright Kathleen M. , Britt Thomas W. , Bliese Paul D. , Adler Amy B. , Picchioni Dante , Moore DeWayne
Published: November 2011

Objectives: The study conducted a longitudinal assessment of insomnia as an antecedent versus consequence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms among combat veterans. Design: Two postdeployment time points were used in combination with structural equation modeling to examine the relative strength of two possible directions of prediction: insomnia as a predictor of psychological symptoms, and psychological symptoms as a predictor of insomnia. Participants were active duty soldiers (N = 659) in a brigade combat team who were assessed 4 months after their return from a 12‐month deployment to Iraq, and then again eight months later. Results: Although both insomnia and psychological symptoms were associated at both time periods and across time periods, insomnia at 4 months postdeployment was a significant predictor of change in depression and PTSD symptoms at 12 months postdeployment, whereas depression and PTSD symptoms at 4 months postdeployment were not significant predictors of change in insomnia at 12 months postdeployment. Conclusions: Results support the role of insomnia in the development of additional psychological problems and highlight the clinical implications for combat veterans, to include the importance of longitudinal assessment and monitoring of sleep disturbances, and the need for early intervention. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–19, 2011.
Effects of exposition to polluted environments on blood cells of the fish Prochilodus lineatus
Authors: Pereira Bruno Fiorelini , Da Silva Alves Rebeca Mamede , Pitol Dimitrius Leonardo , Senhorini José Augusto , De Cássia Gimenes De Alcântara Rocha Rita , Caetano Flavio Henrique
Published: November 2011

In this study, we investigated the effects of contaminated water on the blood parameters of the fish Prochilodus lineatus exposed during 7 and 20 days. Blood was collected with heparinized syringes, and blood smears were prepared and stained with Leishman stain. Slides were examined and photographed using a Leica light microscope. Total white blood cell counts and differential counts of thrombocytes and leukocytes were obtained for statistical analysis. The group exposed to water samples from Lago Azul exhibited an increase in the number of leukocytes and in the total number of white blood cells, suggesting that the chemical contaminants in this environment were acting similarly to antigens in this fish species, causing the proliferation of defense cells. In the group exposed to detergent during 20 days, the number of thrombocytes decreased. These results suggest that the variations in the number of leukocytes were indicators of environmental pollution and that biodegradable detergents may, after a certain time of exposure, affect vital functions in fish, such as coagulation and prevention of infections, which directly involves thrombocytes. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facilitating the pickup of individual DNA molecules by AFM nanomanipulation with tips mechanically worn on bare mica
Authors: Duan Na , Long Fei , Wang Xinyan , Li Bin , Hu Jun , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2011

The tip is one of the critical factors to improve the efficiency in picking up individual DNA molecules from solid substrates based on atomic force microscope (AFM) nanomanipulation. We found that wearing AFM tips on certain solid substrates in advance to nanomanipulation operation would largely improve the pickup efficiency, which was ascribed to the increasing affinity of the tip to the DNA molecules along with the increase of the tip radius after wearing. It was demonstrated that bare mica was superior to APTES‐modified mica to keep the tip clean while wearing, which was crucial for DNA pickup during AFM nanomanipulation. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐etching adhesive on intact enamel, with and without pre‐etching
Authors: Devarasa G.M. , Subba Reddy V.V. , Chaitra N.L. , Swarna Y.M.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Bond strengths of composite resin to enamel using self‐etch adhesive (SEA) Clearfil SE bond system on intact enamel and enamel pre‐etched with phosphoric acid were compared. The objective was to determine if the pre‐etching would increase the bond strengths of the SEA systems to intact enamel and to evaluate the effect of pre‐etching on bond formation of self‐etch adhesives on intact enamel.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Labial surfaces of 40 caries free permanent upper central and lateral incisors were cleaned, sectioned of their roots. All specimens were mounted on acrylic block and divided randomly into four groups. In two groups the application of self‐etch adhesive, Clearfil SE bond was carried as per manufacturer's instructions, composite cylinders were built, whereas in the other two groups, 37% phosphoric acid etching was done before the application of self‐etching adhesives. Then the resin tags were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and shear bond strength was measured using Instron universal testing machine.

RESULTS:

When phosphoric acid was used, there was significant increase in the depth of penetration of resin tags and in the Shear Bond Strength of composite to enamel.

CONCLUSION:

The results indicate that out of both treatment groups, pre‐etching the intact enamel with 37% phosphoric acid resulted in formation of longer resin tags and higher depth of penetration of resin tags of the Clearfil SE bond, and attaining higher bond strength of the Clearfil SE bond to intact enamel. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of ENSO on winter rainfall in South Africa
Authors: Philippon N. , Rouault M. , Richard Y. , Favre A.
Published: November 2011

Whereas the impact of ENSO on the African summer rainfall regions is largely documented and still regularly investigated, little is known about its impact on the winter rainfall regions located at the southwestern and northwestern tips of Africa. Yet, these regions are densely inhabited and are net exporters of high‐quality agricultural products. Here we analyze the relationship between El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and South Africa austral winter rainfall using a 682 raingauges daily rainfall database documenting the period 1950–1999. The May, June and July (MJJ) seasonal rainfall amount shows a positive correlation with the Niño3.4 index that becomes significant since the so‐called 1976/1977 climate regime shift. Wet spells properties (length, frequency and intensity) at the raingauge scale indicate that high (low) MJJ seasonal rainfall amounts recorded during El Niño (La Niña) events are the result of longer (shorter) wet spells in the Cape Town area and more (less) frequent wet spells north of 33°S. Wet spells with daily rainfall amounts ranging between 10 and 50 mm are also more (less) frequent. Atmospheric dynamics fields during wet spells feature lower (higher) pressure and northwesterly (southerly) wind anomalies in the troposphere over the region. This suggests that rain‐bearing systems are deeper (thinner) and larger (smaller) in extent, and located farther north (south) during El Niño (La Niña) events. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Influence of uncommon histology on breast conservation therapy for breast cancer‐biology dictates technique?
Authors: Wasif Nabil , McCullough Ann E. , Gray Richard J. , Pockaj Barbara A.
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Although trends and variations in the use of breast conservation therapy (BCT) for ductal carcinoma have been studied, little is known about uncommon breast cancer histologies.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify 338,682 patients with T1 or T2 (≤5 cm) ductal, lobular, tubular, mucinous, medullary, or papillary carcinoma of the breast from 1998 to 2008. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of BCT.

Results

The majority of patients underwent BCT (60%). The rate of BCT remained relatively constant from 1998 to 2008 overall but varied from 50% for lobular to 79% for tubular. The highest rate of mastectomy was seen in lobular (49%). Nodal positivity following surgical staging was lowest for tubular (6%) and mucinous (8%). Adjuvant radiation was given to 72% overall and was lowest for papillary (58%). Predictors of BCT included tubular (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.7–1.9) and medullary (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.8–2.2) subtypes (vs. ductal).

Conclusions

Patients with uncommon breast cancer histologies show wide variation in the application of BCT depending on the primary tumor. This suggests that an individualized approach in the use of BCT depending on histology should be used. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:586–590. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of postoperative glycemic control on recurrence after curative resection in diabetics with hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kaneda Kazuhisa , Uenishi Takahiro , Takemura Shigekazu , Shinkawa Hiroji , Urata Yorihisa , Sakae Masayuki , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Kubo Shoji
Published: November 2011

Background and Objectives

To elucidate the influence of diabetes on tumor recurrence after curative resection for hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 100 patients who underwent curative resection for solitary HCV‐related HCC were analyzed. Data from 26 patients with diabetes were compared to those of 74 patients without diabetes. The two groups were matched in terms of presence of cirrhosis, Child–Pugh classification, and tumor size (within 10%).

Results

Tumor‐free survival rates were 45% and 48% at 3 years and 27% and 27% at 5 years in patients with and without diabetes, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the tumor‐free survival rates between patients with and without diabetes. Tumor‐free survival rates were 66% and 27% at 3 years in patients with normal postoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (HbA1c, <6.5%) and elevated postoperative HbA1c level (HbA1c, ≥6.5%), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that poor glycemic control (HbA1c, ≥6.5%) was associated with postoperative tumor recurrence in patients with diabetes [odds ratio (OR) = 3.551, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.129–11.172, P = 0.030].

Conclusions

Careful control of plasma glucose should be performed to prevent tumor recurrence after curative resection for HCV‐related HCC in patients with diabetes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:606–611. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temporal and spatial expression of high‐mobility group box 1 in surgically injured rat vocal folds
Authors: Li Nicole Y.K. , Lee Byung‐Joo , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein has been identified as a principal instigator of injury‐induced inflammation in many organ systems. Physiologically, HMGB1 binds to chromatin in cell nucleus. Upon injury, cells release HMGB1 to extracellular milieu, triggering a destructive inflammatory response. Neutralizing or removing HMGB1 has been shown to control inflammation. Unfortunately, the role of HMGB1 in laryngeal inflammation and healing has yet to be defined. The purpose of this study was to determine spatial and temporal patterns of HMGB1 expression in surgically injured rat vocal folds up to 2 weeks after injury.

Study Design:

Prospective animal study.

Methods:

Bilateral vocal fold injury was performed on 70 Sprague‐Dawley rats. An additional 14 rats served as uninjured controls. Animals were sacrificed at 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks following surgery. Immunohistochemistry staining and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to determine the spatial distribution and temporal expression, respectively, of HMGB1 in vocal fold tissue. Hematoxylin‐and‐eosin staining for cell counting was performed to evaluate cell infiltration.

Results:

Cell number peaked significantly 5 days after injury. HMGB1 was positively stained in the nuclear, cytoplasmic, and extracellular compartments from days 1 to 7 after injury, whereas a strict nuclear staining was observed in uninjured controls and week 2 animals. Staining results were corroborated by ELISA.

Conclusions:

Spatial and temporal changes of HMGB1 expression were shown in injured vocal fold tissue, indicating this protein may be one of the principal drivers of inflammation and healing response to surgical injury in the larynx.
Complications and legal outcomes of tonsillectomy malpractice claims
Authors: Stevenson Andrew N. , Myer Charles M. , Shuler Matthew D. , Singer Peter S.
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To review malpractice cases involving complications following tonsillectomy.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis at a tertiary medical center of jury verdict reports within the LexisNexis (Dayton, OH) database submitted after tonsillectomy malpractice cases.

Methods:

The LexisNexis MEGA Jury Verdicts and Settlements database was reviewed from 1984 through 2010 for complications resulting from tonsillectomy. Data including year of case, surgical complication, injury, case result, and judgment awarded were collected and analyzed.

Results:

One hundred seventy‐eight reports met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Postoperative bleeding was the most common complication (33.7%), followed by anoxic events (16.9%), and impaired function (15.7%). Patient death occurred in 40.4% of reports and was most frequently associated with postoperative bleeding (54.2%), followed by anoxic events (18.1%), and postoperative medication issues (16.7%). Monetary awards were available in 24.7% of reports. Anoxic event was noted to have the highest median award at $3,051,296, followed by postoperative medication at $950,000.

Conclusions:

Tonsillectomy carries a large amount of risk from a malpractice standpoint. Postoperative bleeding is the complication most commonly associated with malpractice claims, but may not carry the greatest overall risk from a patient care or monetary standpoint. Hypoxic and anoxic events, although less common, appear to carry more morbidity for the patient and are associated with greater settlements and judgments in malpractice claims. Tonsillectomy continues to carry a significant mortality risk, albeit infrequent, and a high level of vigilance should be employed to help reduce these risks.
Interrater reliability of endoscopic parameters following sinus surgery
Authors: Smith Timothy L. , Hwang Peter H. , Murr Andrew H. , Lavigne Francois , Koreck Andrea
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the interrater reliability of a set of postoperative endoscopic scoring parameters in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who have undergone endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Study Design:

Prospective cohort with retrospective review.

Methods:

One hundred twenty video‐endoscopic evaluations in 20 subjects recorded at 14, 30, and 45 days after ESS were scored in real time by the clinical investigators who performed the endoscopies and recorded the videos and retrospectively by an independent panel of four sinus surgeons who were blinded to all information. The scoring parameters included categoric grading for adhesion formation and middle turbinate position and continuous grading (visual analog scale) for degree of inflammation and crusting. Interrater reliability of the panel members was assessed using the Fleiss kappa test, bias index and prevalence index for categoric data, and the Shrout‐Fleiss test for continuous data. The level of agreement between the panel and the real‐time clinical investigator was also assessed.

Results:

For categoric variables, strong agreement between raters on the panel was found for both middle turbinate position (kappa = 0.499, prevalence index = 0.925) and adhesions (kappa = 0.364, prevalence index = 0.829). For continuous data, good agreement between raters was found for both inflammation (reliability coefficient = 0.554) and crusting (reliability coefficient = 0.620). Real‐time investigator scoring and panel scoring showed strong agreement.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the endoscopic scoring parameters assessed (middle turbinate position, adhesions, inflammation, and crusting) have acceptable interexaminer reproducibility and are suitable for evaluating ESS outcomes in the postsurgical period.
Modified hemi‐lothrop procedure for supraorbital ethmoid lesion access
Authors: Friedel Mark E. , Li Shawn , Langer Paul D. , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: November 2011

The supraorbital ethmoid (SOE) cell is an accessory ethmoid cell in the frontal area that extends into and pneumatizes superolaterally along the orbital plate of the frontal bone. The outflow pathway of the SOE cell can become obstructed, leading to an SOE mucocele. Given their lateral location, SOE lesions are traditionally treated through external approaches, although some authors have advocated treatment through standard endoscopic routes. We present a case of a large, supraorbital ethmoid mucocele treated with a novel modified hemi‐Lothrop procedure (MHLP). This technique provides the benefit of an angulated approach to increase lateral visualization and bimanual, binostril instrumentation through a superior septectomy window.
National trends in oropharyngeal cancer surgery and the effect of surgeon and hospital volume on short‐term outcomes and cost of care
Authors: Gourin Christine G. , Frick Kevin D.
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The past 2 decades have witnessed an increase in the use of chemoradiation in the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. We sought to characterize contemporary patterns of oropharyngeal cancer surgical care and the effect of volume on surgical care and short‐term outcomes.

Study Design:

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, temporal trends in oropharyngeal cancer surgical care were evaluated in 75,828 cases performed from 1993 through 2008, and relationships between volume and mortality, complications, length of stay, and costs were evaluated in 29,030 cases performed from 2003 through 2008 using regression analysis, adjusting for patient and provider characteristics.

Results:

Oropharyngeal cancer surgery from 2001 through 2008 was associated with increased use of high‐volume hospitals (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; P = .016); an increase in tonsil (OR, 1.4; P < .001) and tongue base (OR, 1.3; P = .001) tumors; an increase in patients aged 40 to 64 years (OR, 1.5; P < .001); a decrease in partial glossectomy (OR, 0.8; P < .001), pharyngectomy (OR, 0.8; P = .003), mandibulectomy (OR, 0.6; P < .001) and laryngectomy procedures (OR, 0.6; P < .001); and an increase in prior radiation (OR, 1.7; P = .026), advanced comorbidity (OR, 1.4; P = .007), and wound complications (OR, 1.5; P = .029), compared to 1993 through 2000. High‐volume hospitals were significantly associated with pharyngectomy (OR, 2.6; P = .001), while high‐volume surgeons were associated with flap reconstruction (OR, 1.6; P = .005) and prior radiation (OR, 2.6; P = .013). After controlling for all other variables, a statistically significant interaction was observed between high‐volume surgeons and high‐volume hospitals, with reduced hospital‐related costs for surgery performed by high‐volume surgeons at high‐volume hospitals.

Conclusions:

These data reflect changing trends in the epidemiology and primary management of oropharyngeal cancer, with meaningful differences in the type of surgical care provided by high‐volume providers.
Excess dietary iodine differentially affects thyroid gene expression in diabetes, thyroiditis‐prone versus ‐resistant BioBreeding (BB) rats
Authors: Swist Eleonora , Chen QiXuan , Qiao Cunye , Caldwell Don , Gruber Heidi , Scoggan Kylie A.
Published: November 2011

Scope: To identify genes involved in the susceptibility to iodine‐induced autoimmune thyroiditis.

Methods and results: Diabetes, thyroiditis‐prone (BBdp) and ‐resistant (BBc) rats were fed either a control or a high‐iodine diet for 9 wk. Excess iodine intake increased the incidence of insulitis and thyroiditis in BBdp rats. BBdp rats fed the high‐iodine diet that did not develop thyroiditis had higher mRNA levels of Fabp4, Cidec, perilipin, Pparγ and Slc36a2 than BBdp rats fed the control diet and BBc rats fed either the control or the high‐iodine diet. BBdp rats fed the high‐iodine diet that did develop thyroiditis had higher mRNA levels of Cidec, Icam1, Ifitm1, and Slpi than BBdp rats fed the control diet and BBc rats fed either the control or the high‐iodine diet. BBdp rats that did develop thyroiditis had lower mRNA levels of Fabp4, perilipin and Slc36a2 but higher mRNA levels of Icam1, Ifitm1 and Slpi than BBdp that did not develop thyroiditis. Excess dietary iodine also increased the protein levels of Fabp4, Cidec and perilipin in BBdp rats.

Conclusion: Differential expression of thyroid genes in BBdp versus BBc rats caused by excess dietary iodine may be implicated in autoimmune thyroiditis and insulitis pathogenesis.
Prebiotic effects and intestinal fermentation of cereal arabinoxylans and arabinoxylan oligosaccharides in rats depend strongly on their structural properties and joint presence
Authors: Damen Bram , Verspreet Joran , Pollet Annick , Broekaert Willem F. , Delcour Jan A. , Courtin Christophe M.
Published: November 2011

Scope: Cereal arabinoxylan (AX) is one of the main dietary fibers in a balanced human diet. To gain insight into the importance of structural features of AX for their prebiotic potential and intestinal fermentation properties, a rat trial was performed.

Methods and results: A water unextractable AX‐rich preparation (WU‐AX, 40% purity), water extractable AX (WE‐AX, 81% purity), AX oligosaccharides (AXOS, 79% purity) and combinations thereof were included in a standardized diet at a 5% AX level. WU‐AX was only partially fermented in the ceco‐colon and increased the level of butyrate and of butyrate producing Roseburia/E. rectale spp. Extensive fermentation of WE‐AX and/or AXOS reduced the pH, suppressed relevant markers of the proteolytic breakdown and induced a selective bifidogenic response. Compared with WE‐AX, AXOS showed a slightly less pronounced effect in the colon as its fermentation was virtually complete in the cecum. Combining WU‐AX and AXOS caused a striking synergistic increase in cecal butyrate levels. WU‐AX, WE‐AX and AXOS together combined a selective bifidogenic effect in the colon with elevated butyrate levels, a reduced pH and suppressed proteolytic metabolites.

Conclusion: The prebiotic potential and fermentation characteristics of cereal AX depend strongly on their structural properties and joint presence.
Chemielaboranten überwinden Grenzen
Authors: Letzel Thomas
Published: November 2011

Auf Initiative der TU München hat das internationale Projekt Chemlab einen dualen Ausbildungsgang zum Chemielaboranten mit Schwerpunkt analytische Chemie in süd‐ und osteuropäischen Partnerländern gestartet. Nach zweijähriger Vorbereitungsphase beginnen in Georgien, Griechenland, Polen und der Türkei nun die ersten jungen Leute ihre Ausbildung in Unternehmen und Schule.