bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous delivery of the plasma fraction of stored packed erythrocytes promotes pancreatic cancer growth in immunocompetent mice
Authors: Barnett Carlton C. , Beck Adam W. , Holloway Shane E. , Kehler Marguerite , Schluterman Marie K. , Brekken Rolf A. , Fleming Jason B. , Silliman Christopher C.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

Perioperative blood transfusion in pancreatic cancer patients has been linked to decreased survival; however, a causal mechanism has not been determined. During the processing and storage of packed erythrocytes, biologically active molecules accumulated in the acellular plasma fraction; therefore, the authors hypothesized that the plasma fraction of stored packed erythrocytes promoted tumor progression.

METHODS:

Proliferation and migration of murine pancreatic cancer and control cells were determined in vitro in response to the plasma fraction from leukocyte and nonleukocyte‐reduced fresh versus stored packed erythrocytes. Last, an immunocompetent murine model was used to assess the effect of the plasma fraction of stored and processed packed erythrocytes on pancreatic cancer progression.

RESULTS:

Incubation of pancreatic cancer cells with the plasma fraction of packed erythrocytes increased proliferation and migration. Intravenous delivery of the acellular plasma fraction to mice with pancreatic cancer significantly increased the tumor weight in both leukocyte‐reduced and nonleukocyte‐reduced packed‐erythrocyte groups (P < .01), although tumor growth and morbidity were greatest in the nonleukocyte‐reduced group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The plasma fraction of stored packed erythrocytes promoted murine pancreatic cancer proliferation and migration in vitro and when administered intravenously, significantly augmented pancreatic cancer growth in immunocompetent mice. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Ethnic differences in chronic health conditions after hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Armenian Saro H. , Sun Can‐Lan , Teh Jennifer Berano , Arora Mukta , Baker K. Scott , Francisco Liton , Forman Stephen J. , Bhatia Smita
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

Hispanics have a greater risk of early treatment failure after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) compared with non‐Hispanic whites. However, long‐term morbidity among Hispanics has not been described.

METHODS:

Health‐related outcomes were examined in 159 Hispanic patients and 825 non‐Hispanic white patients who underwent HCT between 1974 and 1998 and survived a mean of 8.7 years. Patients completed a detailed questionnaire about sociodemographic factors and the occurrence of chronic health conditions.

RESULTS:

Exposure to total body irradiation (TBI) (odds ratio [OR], 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06‐3.56; P = .03), the presence of chronic graft versus host disease (GvHD) (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.94‐8.24; P = .002), and health insurance coverage (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.5‐8.01; P = .004), were associated significantly with severe/life‐threatening conditions. Compared with non‐Hispanic white patients, Hispanic patients were 53% less likely to report severe/life‐threatening conditions (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27‐0.83; P = .009) after adjusting for relevant clinical variables. This effect size was mitigated (OR, 0.56; 95%CI, 0.29‐1.08; P = .08) after adjusting for health insurance coverage.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hispanics were less likely to report severe/life‐threatening health conditions after HCT than non‐Hispanic whites—a difference that decreased in magnitude and significance after taking health insurance into consideration. Although the current results confirmed the role of TBI and chronic GvHD, in the current study, the role of a lack of health insurance coverage was identified as a mediator of the lower prevalence of self‐reported long‐term morbidity in Hispanics. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Spinal cord sparing reirradiation with helical tomotherapy
Authors: Sterzing Florian , Hauswald Henrik , Uhl Matthias , Herm Hendrik , Wiener Andreas , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Jürgen , Krempien Robert
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this study was to present planning, feasibility, toxicity, and outcome of helical tomotherapy for spinal cord‐sparing reirradiation of spinal metastases and tumors.

METHODS:

Thirty‐six patients with spinal metastases and tumors who had undergone previous radiotherapy were reirradiated with helical tomotherapy because of tumor progression, pain, or compromised stability. Mean spinal cord dose of previous radiotherapy was 36.3 grays (Gy) after a median time interval of 17.5 months. Mean prescribed dose of reirradiation was 34.8 Gy. Daily megavoltage computed tomography (CT) image guidance was performed to assure precise dose application.

RESULTS:

Mean beam time was 8.4 minutes; the dose maximum to the spinal cord at reirradiation could be limited to a 9.8‐Gy median dose (minimum, 5.2 Gy; maximum, 21.8 Gy). Significant pain relief from a median value of 7 on the visual analogue scale before therapy to a median value of 3 at 6 weeks after radiotherapy was achieved. One‐ and 2‐year local control was 76% and 63%; overall survival was 67% after 1 year and 58% after 2 years. One grade 2 skin toxicity and no grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Helical tomotherapy makes reirradiation of spinal metastases and excellent avoidance of the spinal cord possible and achieves good pain relief and local control. With a minimal distance of several millimeters between target volume and spinal cord, tailor‐made dose distributions with steep dose gradients around previously irradiated tissue are obtained and precisely applied with daily megavoltage CT‐based image guidance. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
High‐intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of bone tumors
Authors: Konski Andre
Published: May 2010

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a new therapy for the treatment of primary and metastatic bone tumors. Well‐designed clinical trials are necessary comparing HIFU to commonly accepted treatments before we know the exact role of this new modality.
Increased exposure to bacterial antigen RpL7/L12 in early stage colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Boleij Annemarie , Roelofs Rian , Schaeps Renée M. J. , Schülin Tanja , Glaser Philippe , Swinkels Dorine W. , Kato Ikuko , Tjalsma Harold
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

Intestinal bacteria have long been implicated in colorectal cancer pathology, and many reports point to a close linkage between Streptococcus bovis biotype I (recently renamed Streptococcus gallolyticus) infections and tumors of the human colon. This work aims to investigate the humoral immune response to this bacterium during different stages of colorectal cancer.

METHODS:

The presence of serum antibodies against S. bovis antigen RpL7/L12, previously assigned as a potential diagnostic antigen, was evaluated in Dutch (n = 209) and American (n = 112) populations using a newly developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS:

The analyses consistently showed that an immune response against this bacterial antigen was increased in polyp patients and stage I/II colorectal cancer patients as compared with asymptomatic individuals. This was not paralleled by increased antibody production to endotoxin, an intrinsic cell wall component of the majority of intestinal bacteria, which implies that the humoral immune response against RpL7/L12 is not a general phenomenon induced by the loss of colonic barrier function. Notably, increased anti‐RpL7/L12 levels were not or were only mildly detected in late stage colorectal cancer patients having lymph node or distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings are indicative of an increased exposure to antigen RpL7/L12 during early stages of colon carcinogenesis and suggest that intestinal bacteria such as S. bovis constitute a risk factor for the progression of premalignant lesions into early stage carcinomas. Clearly, the current findings emphasize the necessity for further studies on the possible etiologic relationship between intestinal bacteria and human colorectal cancer. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy and histopathologic response in primary, high‐grade retroperitoneal sarcomas using the sarcoma nomogram
Authors: Donahue Timothy R. , Kattan Michael W. , Nelson Scott D. , Tap William D. , Eilber Frederick R. , Eilber Fritz C.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

Patients with primary high‐grade retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas have a 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) of <40%. The impact of neoadjuvant therapy on histopathologic response and DSS are unknown.

METHODS:

From 1987 to 2007, 55 patients with primary high‐grade retroperitoneal sarcoma received neoadjuvant therapy. All patients underwent surgical resection, and response was assessed histopathologically. Patients with ≥95% pathologic necrosis were classified as responders. Clinicopathologic variables were analyzed for association with DSS. Observed DSS was then compared with the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center Sarcoma Nomogram predicted DSS.

RESULTS:

The median tumor size was 15 cm, and the median follow‐up time for survivors was 68 months. The 5‐year DSS for all 55 patients was 47% and did not significantly differ from the 37% predicted by the sarcoma nomogram for such patients (P = .44). Fourteen (25%) of the patients had ≥95% pathologic necrosis and were defined as responders; 41 (75%) were nonresponders. The 5‐year DSS for responders was 83%. This was significantly better than the 5‐year DSS of 34% for nonresponders (P = .002) and the 39% predicted by the sarcoma nomogram for responders (P = .018). The 34% 5‐year DSS for nonresponders did not significantly differ from the 35% predicted by the sarcoma nomogram (P = .51).

CONCLUSIONS:

Neoadjuvant therapy was not associated with an overall improvement in DSS in patients with primary high‐grade retroperitoneal sarcoma compared with the sarcoma nomogram prediction. Histopathologic response to neoadjuvant therapy was associated with a significantly improved DSS compared with nonresponders and with the sarcoma nomogram prediction for such patients. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Effect of the Structure of Cholesterol‐Based Tethered Bilayer Lipid Membranes on Ionophore Activity
Authors: Kendall James K. R. , Johnson Benjamin R. G. , Symonds Philip H. , Imperato Guiseppi , Bushby Richard J. , Gwyer James D. , van Berkel Cees , Evans Stephen D. , Jeuken Lars J. C.
Published: May 2010

Tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLM) are formed on 1) pure tether lipid triethyleneoxythiol cholesterol (EO3C) or on 2) mixed self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of EO3C and 6‐mercaptohexanol (6MH). While EO3C is required to form a tBLM with high resistivity, 6MH dilutes the cholesterol content in the lower leaflet of the bilayer forming ionic reservoirs required for submembrane hydration. Here we show that these ionic reservoirs are required for ion transport through gramicidin or valinomycin, most likely due to the thermodynamic requirements of ions to be solvated once transported through the membrane. Unexpectedly, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows an increase of capacitance upon addition of gramicidin, while addition of valinomycin decreases the membrane resistance in the presence of K+ ions. We hypothesise that this is due to previously reported phase separation of EO3C and 6MH on the surface. This results in ionic reservoirs on the nanometre scale, which are not fully accounted for by the equivalent circuits used to describe the system.
Improvement of crystal quality of AlN grown on sapphire substrate by MOCVD
Authors: Lai Mu‐Jen , Chang Liann‐Be , Yuan Tzu‐Tao , Lin Ray‐Ming
Published: May 2010

The crystalline quality of aluminum nitride (AlN) epilayers grown on sapphire substrates by MOCVD was improved by increasing hydrogen flow rate during the high temperature growth process. The AlN epilayer exhibited a root mean square (rms) of roughness was 1.944 nm from the 2×2 µm2 size atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. Full widths at half maximum (FWHMs) of (002) and (102) rocking curves of triple‐axis high resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD) measurements were as narrow as 28.8 arc sec and 868 arc sec, respectively. The optical transmittance spectra showed a sharp absorption edge at a wavelength of 200 nm and strong Fabry‐Perot (FP) oscillations. It is proposed that the improvement in crystalline quality is due to the surface in the low‐temperature aluminum nitride (LT‐AlN) buffer layer is promoted to be stable Al‐polarity by the conditions of increasing hydrogen flow rate and ramping up the growth temperature. Addtionally, the parasitic reactions are effectively suppressed by increasing the hydrogen flow rate during the growth process of high temperature. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microwave assisted synthesis of hydroxyapatite nano strips
Authors: Ruban Kumar A. , Kalainathan S. , Saral A. Mary
Published: May 2010

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAP) nano strips was carried out by chemical precipitation method followed by microwave irradiation. The microwave assisted reactions proceed at fast rates. It is found that the presence of the complex reagent EDTA plays an important role in the morphological changes of nanostructure hydroxyapatite. EDTA acts as a hexadentate unit by wrapping itself around the Ca2+metal ion with, four oxygen and two nitrogen atoms and forms several five member chelate rings. The relative specific surface energies associated with the facets of the crystal determines the shape of the crystal. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of hydroxyapatite nano strips with the range 50‐100 nm in EDTA influenced HAP powders. Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) result combined with the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the presence of amorphous hydroxyapatite (HAP) in the as‐prepared material. X‐ray patterns collected on the powder after heat‐treatment at 1100 °C for 2 h in air exhibits single phase of HAP. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dehydrogenation of Hydridoirida‐β‐diketones in Methanol: The Selective Formation of Mono‐ and Dinuclear Acyl Complexes
Authors: Ciganda Roberto , Garralda María A. , Ibarlucea Lourdes , Mendicute Claudio , Pinilla Elena , Torres M. Rosario
Published: May 2010

The hydridoirida‐β‐diketone [IrH{(PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2H}Cl] (1) reacts with diimines (NN) or with pyridine (py) in refluxing methanol to undergo dehydrogenation. The reactions afford selectively the cis‐acyl, trans‐phosphane isomers of the cationic [Ir(PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2(NN)]+ {NN = 2,2′‐bipyridine (2); R–N=C(CH3)–C(CH3)=N–R′ [R = R′ = NH2 (3); R = R′ = OH (4); R = OH, R′ = NH2 (5)]} or neutral [IrCl(PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2(py)] (6) derivatives. The reactions are faster for ligands containing amino substituents. Refluxing 1 in MeOH affords the formation of an equimolar mixture of dimercationic species [Ir2(μ‐Cl)(μ‐PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2(PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2]+ (7a and 7b) containing two acyls and a chloride as bridging groups. The isomers could be separated by fractional precipitation. Compound [3]Cl, containing amino substituents in the imino functionalities, catalyses the hydrogen transfer from 2‐propanol to cyclohexanone to afford cyclohexanol. All the complexes were fully characterised spectroscopically. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis was performed on complexes 6 and [7b]ClO4.
A Versatile Route to Red‐Emitting Carbopyronine Dyes for Optical Microscopy and Nanoscopy
Authors: Kolmakov Kirill , Belov Vladimir N. , Wurm Christian A. , Harke Benjamin , Leutenegger Marcel , Eggeling Christian , Hell Stefan W.
Published: May 2010

Biological microscopy favors photostable fluorescent markers with large fluorescence quantum yields, low dark triplet state population, good biocompatibility and absorption and emission maxima in the near‐infrared, where cellular autofluorescence is minimized. In the present study, carbopyronines absorbing around 640 nm and emitting at around 660 nm, with a low intersystem crossing rate (kisc ≈ 0.5 × 106 s–1) and excellent properties for cellular imaging were synthesized. A general synthetic route to carbopyronines with functional groups variable in the final steps of the synthesis or in the resulting fluorescent dye is presented. Possessing two 2‐methoxyethyl groups, the parent dye is soluble in water and most organic solvents. Demethylation of the dye or its precursors is straightforward, clean, and furnishes compounds with one or two 2‐hydroxyethyl groups, which can be used for further transformations. Modifications in the linker‐containing carboxy group are also possible. A multistep synthesis of the dye starting from a simple precursor and utilizing a single temporary protective group is described. The presented approach may be further applied to the design of caged carbopyronines.
Functionalization of Mono‐ and Oligonucleotides with Phosphane Ligands by Amide Bond Formation (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 17/2010)
Authors: Nuzzolo Marzia , Grabulosa Arnald , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Meeuwenoord Nico J. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Kamer Paul C. J.
Published: May 2010

The cover picture shows the formation of a 15‐base‐long DNA strand from individual nucleosides. The light‐blue nucleoside has been modified so that it can form an amide bond with a phosphanylcarboxylic acid, once the strand has been prepared. In this way, artificial “metallo‐DNAzymes” can be developed by complex formation of transition metals with phosphane‐modified oligonucleotides, bridging the cap between homogeneous and biocatalysis. This is symbolised in the background by the famous Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole of the Old Course of St Andrews, Scotland. Details are discussed in the article by P. C. J. Kamer et al. on p. 3229 ff.
An evaluation of the influence of substrate on the response of juvenile freshwater mussels (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) in acute water exposures to ammonia
Authors: Miao Jingjing , Barnhart M. Christopher , Brunson Eric L. , Hardesty Douglas K. , Ingersoll Christopher G. , Wang Ning
Published: May 2010

Acute 96-h ammonia toxicity to three-month-old juvenile mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea) was evaluated in four treatments (water-only, water-only with feeding, water and soil, and water and sand) using an exposure unit designed to maintain consistent pH and ammonia concentrations in overlying water and in pore water surrounding the substrates. Median effect concentrations (EC50s) for total ammonia nitrogen in the four treatments ranged from 5.6 to 7.7 mg/L and median lethal concentrations (LC50s) ranged from 7.0 to 11 mg/L at a mean pH of 8.4. Similar EC50s or LC50s with overlapping 95% confidence intervals among treatments indicated no influence of substrate on the response of mussels in acute exposures to ammonia. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2112–2116. © 2010 SETAC
Exposure of three generations of the estuarine sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) to the androgen, 17β-trenbolone: Effects on survival, development, and reproduction
Authors: Cripe Geraldine M. , Hemmer Becky L. , Raimondo Sandy , Goodman Larry R. , Kulaw Dannielle H.
Published: May 2010

Estimating long-term effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on a species is important to assessing the overall risk to the populations. The present study reports the results of a 42-week exposure of estuarine sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) to the androgen, 17β-trenbolone (Tb) conducted to determine if partial-(F0) or single-generation (F1) fish exposures identify multigenerational (F0–F3) effects of androgens on fish. Adult F0 fish were exposed to 0.007, 0.027, 0.13, 0.87,and 4.1 µg Tb/L, the F1 generation to ≤0.87 µg Tb/L, the F2 fish to ≤0.13 µg Tb/L, and the F3 fish to ≤0.027 µg Tb/L. The highest concentrations with reproducing populations at the end of the F0, F1, and F2 generations were 4.1, 0.87, and 0.027 µg Tb/L, respectively. Reproduction in the F0, F1, and F2 generations was significantly reduced at 0.87, 0.027, and 0.027 µg Tb/L, respectively. Fish were significantly masculinized in the F1 generation exposed to 0.13 µg Tb/L or greater. Female plasma vitellogenin was significantly reduced in F0 fish exposed to ≥0.87 µg Tb/L. Gonadosomatic indices of the F0 and F1 generations were significantly increased at 0.87 and 0.13 µg Tb/L in the F0 and F1 generation, respectively, and were accompanied by ovarian histological changes. Reproduction was the most consistently sensitive measure of androgen effects and, after a life-cycle exposure, the daily reproductive rate predicted concentrations affecting successive generations. The present study provides evidence that a multiple generation exposure of fish to some endocrine-disrupting chemicals can result in developmental and reproductive changes that have a much greater impact on the success of a species than was indicated from shorter term exposures. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2079–2087. © 2010 SETAC
Presence of natural and anthropogenic organic contaminants and potential fish health impacts along two river gradients in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Jeffries Ken M. , Jackson Leland J. , Ikonomou Michael G. , Habibi Hamid R.
Published: May 2010

In the current study, 28 organic contaminants were measured, many with estrogen-like activity, in water collected from 16 sites on two rivers in the South Saskatchewan River Basin, Alberta, Canada. The compounds detected included synthetic estrogens (birth control pill compounds and hormone therapy drugs) downstream of municipal wastewater effluents and natural hormones downstream of municipal wastewater effluents and in agricultural areas. Greater concentrations of cholesterol and derivatives, phytosterols, and fecal sterols were measured at the most downstream sites, which indicates cumulative inputs of such compounds in these rivers. A native minnow (longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataractae) was sampled to assess pathophysiological responses to exposure to compounds with estrogen-like activity. Hepatic vitellogenin protein was detected in at least one adult male longnose dace from 14 of 15 sites sampled for fish. Vitellogenin was negatively correlated with hepatosomatic (r = −0.47, p < 0.001) and gonadosomatic (r = −0.44, p < 0.003) indices, which suggests potential health impacts in male longnose dace in the South Saskatchewan River Basin. The current study demonstrates that organic contaminants, many with estrogen-like activity, are distributed over hundreds of kilometers throughout the South Saskatchewan River Basin and not just downstream of major point-sources. Therefore, many activities within these basins impact water quality in the South Saskatchewan River Basin and affect endemic longnose dace populations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2379–2387. © 2010 SETAC
Characterization of the aroma‐active compounds in five sweet cherry cultivars grown in Yantai (China)
Authors: Sun Shu Yang , Jiang Wen Guang , Zhao Yu Ping
Published: May 2010

This study was conducted to determine the aroma‐active compounds of five sweet cherry cultivars grown in Yantai region, China, viz. ‘Lapins’, ‘Rainier’, ‘Stella’, ‘Hongdeng’ and ‘Zhifuhong’. The samples were extracted by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS–SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) on DB‐wax and DB‐5 columns. A total of 52 volatiles were identified. Among these, hexanal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, 1‐hexanol, (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol, benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol were the main volatile compounds in the five cherries. Furthermore, the aroma compounds of five cherry samples were evaluated using a combination of HS–SPME and GC–olfactometry (GC–O) dilution analysis, and a total of 40 aroma‐active compounds were identified. The results suggested that hexanal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, (Z)‐3‐hexenal, nonanal, benzaldehyde and geranylacetone (FD ≥ 16), responsible for the green, orange, almond and floral characters of the cherries, were the potentially important common odorants in these cherry cultivars. Benzyl alcohol and linalool were significant aroma compounds in most cherries, with the exception of ‘Stella’ and ‘Rainier’. In addition, (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienal (cucumber‐like odour) could be important to ‘Hongdeng’ and ‘Zhifuhong’, and (E,E)‐2,4‐nonadienal (fatty odour) probably made great contributions to the aromas in ‘Lapins’ and ‘Stella’. From the present result, it was concluded that the aroma profiles were similar in the five cherry cultivars, but significant variation was found in the contributions of these compounds to each cherry. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatiles from Plicanthus hirtellus (F. Weber) R.M. Schust. and Radula boryana (F. Weber) Nees (Hepaticae) grown in São Tomé e Príncipe Archipelago
Authors: Figueiredo A. Cristina , Garcia César , Sim‐Sim Manuela , Sérgio Cecília , Pedro Luis G. , Barroso José G.
Published: May 2010

The main goal of this study was to isolate and characterize the volatiles from Plicanthus hirtellus and Radula boryana grown in the African Archipelago of São Tomé e Príncipe. The volatiles isolated by distillation–extraction from Plicanthus hirtellus and Radula boryana were analysed by GC and GC–MS. Plicanthus hirtellus volatiles were dominated by anastreptene (13%) and spathulenol (14%). Radula boryana volatiles were characterized by high amounts of p‐cymene (17%) along with other monoterpene hydrocarbons and by the unusual presence of the oxygen‐containing monoterpenes thymol and carvacrol (1% each). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluid–structure interaction modeling of parachute clusters
Authors: Takizawa Kenji , Wright Samuel , Moorman Creighton , Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: May 2010

We address some of the computational challenges involved in fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modeling of clusters of ringsail parachutes. The geometric complexity created by the construction of the parachute from ‘rings’ and ‘sails’ with hundreds of gaps and slits makes this class of FSI modeling inherently challenging. There is still much room for advancing the computational technology for FSI modeling of a single raingsail parachute, such as improving the Homogenized Modeling of Geometric Porosity (HMGP) and developing special techniques for computing the reefed stages of the parachute and its disreefing. While we continue working on that, we are also developing special techniques targeting cluster modeling, so that the computational technology goes beyond the single parachute and the challenges specific to parachute clusters are addressed. The rotational‐periodicity technique we describe here is one of such special techniques, and we use that for computing good starting conditions for FSI modeling of parachute clusters. In addition to reporting our preliminary FSI computations for parachute clusters, we present results from those starting‐condition computations. In the category of more fundamental computational technologies, we discuss how we are improving the HMGP by increasing the resolution of the fluid mechanics mesh used in the HMGP computation and also by increasing the number of gores used. Also in that category, we describe how we use the multiscale sequentially coupled FSI techniques to improve the accuracy in computing the structural stresses in parts of the structure where we want to report more accurate values. All these special techniques are used in conjunction with the Stabilized Space–Time Fluid–Structure Interaction (SSTFSI) technique. Therefore, we also present in this paper a brief stability and accuracy analysis for the Deforming‐Spatial‐Domain/Stabilized Space–Time (DSD/SST) formulation, which is the core numerical technology of the SSTFSI technique. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the Oxygen Reduction Activity on Silver – A Rotating Disc Electrode Study
Authors: Wiberg G. K. H. , Mayrhofer K. J. J. , Arenz M.
Published: May 2010

In this study the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is investigated on a nanoparticulate silver electrocatalyst in alkaline solution. The catalytic activity of the catalyst is determined both in terms of mass activity as well as specific activity and turn over frequency, respectively. It is demonstrated that the established mass activities are independent of the applied catalyst loading, an essential requirement for a reasonable analysis. The determination of the electrochemically active surface area (ECA) or the number of electrochemically accessible sites (NECAS), respectively, is performed by the underpotential deposition of lead. The obtained value of the activity is compared to activities of polycrystalline silver and platinum measured in the same electrolyte, as well as to literature data.
Cognitive impairment and life satisfaction in older adults
Authors: St. John Philip D. , Montgomery Patrick R.
Published: May 2010

Background

Quality of life in dementia has been studied in clinical settings. There is less population‐based research on life satisfaction and cognition.

Objectives

(1) To compare the overall life satisfaction (LS), LS with material circumstances (LS (material)), and LS with social circumstances (LS (social)) of older adults with no cognitive impairment, with cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND), and with dementia; (2) To examine the effect of cognition on LS across a broad spectrum of cognition; and (3) To explore the effect of factors such as depressive symptoms, functional impairment, education, and social support.

Population

1620 community‐dwelling older adults with a mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) score > 10, sampled from a representative list were interviewed.

Measures

Age, gender, education, social networks, and social supports were all self‐reported. The MMSE, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression (CES‐D), and the Older Americans Resource Survey (OARS) were used. Dementia was diagnosed by clinical examination using DSM‐IIIR criteria. LS was measured using the Terrible‐Delightful Scale. Factor analysis identified two factors: LS (material), and LS (social). A global item measuring overall LS was also used.

Results

Those with dementia and CIND had lower LS than those with normal cognition, but the effect was relatively small. There was a gradient in LS which extended into the normal range of cognition. Depressive symptoms and functional status were strongly associated with LS.

Conclusions

Cognition is associated with LS, but the effect is fairly small. Most older adults are satisfied with life. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microglial activation in regions related to cognitive function predicts disease onset in Huntington's disease: A multimodal imaging study
Authors: Politis Marios , Pavese Nicola , Tai Yen F. , Kiferle Lorenzo , Mason Sarah L , Brooks David J. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Barker Roger A. , Piccini Paola
Published: May 2010

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor, cognitive and psychiatric deficits. This study, using a multimodal imaging approach, aims to assess in vivo the functional and structural integrity of regions and regional networks linked with motor, cognitive and psychiatric function. Predicting disease onset in at risk individuals is problematic and thus we sought to investigate this by computing the 5‐year probability of HD onset (p5 HD) and relating it to imaging parameters. Using MRI, 11C‐PK11195 and 11C‐raclopride PET, we have investigated volumes, levels of microglial activation and D2/D3 receptor binding in CAG repeat‐matched groups of premanifest and symptomatic HD gene carriers. Findings were correlated with disease‐burden and UHDRS scores. Atrophy was detected in sensorimotor striatum (SMST), substantia nigra, orbitofrontal and anterior prefrontal cortex in the premanifest HD. D2/D3 receptor binding was reduced and microglial activation increased in SMST and associative striatum (AST), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the amygdala and the hypothalamus. In symptomatic HD cases this extended to involve atrophy in globus pallidus, limbic striatum, the red nuclei, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula. D2/D3 receptor binding was additionally reduced in substantia nigra, globus pallidus, limbic striatum, anterior cingulate cortex and insula, and microglial activation increased in globus pallidus, limbic striatum and anterior prefrontal cortex. In premanifest HD, increased levels of microglial activation in the AST and in the regional network associated with cognitive function correlated with p5 HD onset. These data suggest that pathologically activated microglia in AST and other areas related to cognitive function, maybe better predictors of clinical onset and stresses the importance of early cognitive assessment in HD. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sub‐patterns of language network reorganization in pediatric localization related epilepsy: A multisite study
Authors: You Xiaozhen , Adjouadi Malek , Guillen Magno R. , Ayala Melvin , Barreto Armando , Rishe Naphtali , Sullivan Joseph , Dlugos Dennis , VanMeter John , Morris Drew , Donner Elizabeth , Bjornson Bruce , Smith Mary Lou , Bernal Byron , Berl Madison , Gaillard William D.
Published: May 2010

To study the neural networks reorganization in pediatric epilepsy, a consortium of imaging centers was established to collect functional imaging data. Common paradigms and similar acquisition parameters were used. We studied 122 children (64 control and 58 LRE patients) across five sites using EPI BOLD fMRI and an auditory description decision task. After normalization to the MNI atlas, activation maps generated by FSL were separated into three sub‐groups using a distance method in the principal component analysis (PCA)‐based decisional space. Three activation patterns were identified: (1) the typical distributed network expected for task in left inferior frontal gyrus (Broca's) and along left superior temporal gyrus (Wernicke's) (60 controls, 35 patients); (2) a variant left dominant pattern with greater activation in IFG, mesial left frontal lobe, and right cerebellum (three controls, 15 patients); and (3) activation in the right counterparts of the first pattern in Broca's area (one control, eight patients). Patients were over represented in Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.0004). There were no scanner (P = 0.4) or site effects (P = 0.6). Our data‐driven method for fMRI activation pattern separation is independent of a priori notions and bias inherent in region of interest and visual analyses. In addition to the anticipated atypical right dominant activation pattern, a sub‐pattern was identified that involved intensity and extent differences of activation within the distributed left hemisphere language processing network. These findings suggest a different, perhaps less efficient, cognitive strategy for LRE group to perform the task. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of serotonin receptor 2A gene haplotypes on C‐peptide levels in clozapine‐ and olanzapine‐treated patients
Authors: Melkersson Kristina I. , Gunes Arzu , Dahl Marja‐Liisa
Published: May 2010

Objective

Antagonism at the serotonin receptor 2A by the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine has been suggested to be linked to these drugs' adverse effects on glucose‐insulin homeostasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of haplotypes based on the main functionally characterized polymorphisms of the serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) gene on parameters related to the glucose metabolism in clozapine‐ and olanzapine‐treated patients.

Methods

Forty‐nine patients, with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and treated with clozapine (n = 22) or olanzapine (n = 27), were evaluated for fasting levels of C‐peptide, insulin and blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and body mass index (BMI), and genotyped for the ‐1438A/G, ‐783A/G, 102T/C, and His452Tyr polymorphisms of theHTR2Agene.

Results

About 50% of the patients had elevated levels of C‐peptide (>0.68 nmol/L) and insulin (≥79 pmol/L). However, patients carrying the haplotype [‐1438A, ‐783A, 102T, 452Tyr] had significantly lower C‐peptide levels compared with patients not carrying this haplotype (p = 0.039), despite no differences in blood glucose, HOMA‐IR or BMI between the patient groups.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that patients with theHTR2Ahaplotype [‐1438A, ‐783A, 102T, 452Tyr] are less likely to develop metabolic abnormalities like C‐peptide and insulin elevations during clozapine and olanzapine treatment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic association between TNF‐α −308 G>A polymorphism and longitudinal weight change during clozapine treatment
Authors: Wang Ying‐Chieh , Bai Ya‐Mei , Chen Jen‐Yeu , Lin Chao‐Cheng , Lai I‐Ching , Liou Ying‐Jay
Published: May 2010

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between genetic variation in the tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) gene and longitudinal weight change during long‐term clozapine treatment.

Methods

Fifty‐five patients with refractory schizophrenia treated with clozapine for 8 years were recruited. Gender, age, treatment response to clozapine in the first 14 months, baseline BMI, clozapine dose, concomitant use of mood stabilizers and other antipsychotics, and −308 G > A polymorphism in the human TNF‐α gene were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

In addition to having a lower baseline BMI (p = 0.0013) and a longer treatment time (p = 0.050), the −308 GG carriers gained significantly more weight than the −308 A allele carriers (p = 0.0084) during 8 years of clozapine treatment, after controlling for other non‐genetic factors.

Conclusions

The −308 G > A genetic variant of the TNF‐α gene is associated with longitudinal weight change during clozapine treatment. Follow‐up duration is an important factor to consider when performing pharmacogenetic study of clozapine‐induced weight gain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Levels of organic and inorganic mercury in human blood predicted from measurements of total mercury
Authors: Halbach Stefan , Welzl Gerhard
Published: May 2010

The toxicologically relevant mercury species inorganic and organic Hg in blood are frequently determined by separate measurements of total Hg and of inorganic Hg, with their difference indicating organic Hg. It is shown that the different partition of inorganic and organic Hg between erythrocytes and plasma (e/p ratio) can be used to calculate the concentrations of either Hg species in either blood constituent from measurement of total Hg only. This was tested on the blood of different groups of volunteers. The calculated concentrations of inorganic and organic Hg in cells and plasma were then compared by linear regression with their previously measured counterparts. An accurate prediction has been found for individual levels of inorganic Hg in plasma and organic Hg in cells. These calculated levels were little affected by variations of the e/p ratios. The coincidence between calculated and measured levels of inorganic Hg in cells and organic Hg in plasma was more sensitive to alterations of the e/p ratios. In conclusion, the relevant concentrations of inorganic Hg in plasma and organic Hg in cells can reliably be calculated from measurements of total Hg and from assumed e/p ratios. This means a sizeable reduction of analytical work, and also provides specific information in cases of low‐level coexposure to both Hg species. Besides the possibility to introduce automated analyses of total Hg in mercury speciation in blood, the proposed calculation scheme has the potential to easily enlarge the data base in epidemiological and toxicological surveys of mercury exposure.
Alzheimer's disease modifies progenitor cell expression of monoamine oxidase B in the subventricular zone
Authors: Pugliese Marco , Rodríguez Manuel J. , Gimeno‐Bayon Javier , Pujadas Lluís , Billett Ellen E. , Wells Cheryl , Mahy Nicole
Published: May 2010

In the adult brain, progenitor cells remaining in the subventricular zone (SVZ) are frequently identified as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive cells that retain attributes reminiscent of radial glia. Because the very high expression of monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) in the subventricular area has been related to epithelial and astroglial expression, we sought to ascertain whether it was also expressed by progenitor cells of human control and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. In the SVZ, epithelial cells and astrocyte‐like cells presented rich MAO‐B activity and immunolabeling. Nestin‐positive cells were found in the same area, showing a radial glia‐like morphology. When coimmunostaining and confocal microscopy were performed, most nestin‐positive cells showed MAO‐B activity and labeling. The increased progenitor activity in SVZ proposed for AD patients was confirmed by the positive correlation between the SVZ nestin/MAO‐B ratio and the progression of the disease. Nestin/GFAP‐positive cells, devoid of MAO‐B, can represent a distinct subpopulation of an earlier phase of maturation. This would indicate that MAO‐B expression takes place in a further step of nestin/GFAP‐positive cell differentiation. In the early AD stages, the discrete MAO‐B reduction, different from the severe GFAP decrease, would reflect the capacity of this population of MAO‐B‐positive progenitor cells to adapt to the neurodegenerative process. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymptotic analysis, regularisation and stable numerical solutions for heavily loaded line EHL contacts
Authors: Kudish Ilya I.
Published: May 2010

To obtain stable solutions of asymptotic equations in the inlet and exit zones of a heavily loaded isothermal EHL contact we will employ a regularisation technique which follows from the asymptotic analysis conducted in Parts 1 and 2 of this paper. This regularisation provides stable numerical solutions in a very wide range of parameters which covers the whole practical range of EHL parameters. The success in regularisation of asymptotic equations is extended on the original equations of the isothermal EHL problem. The numerical scheme for regularised original equations of the isothermal EHL problem is developed. Some numerical examples of regularised solutions are presented. It is shown that the regularisation approach works well and produces stable numerical solutions for very large pressure viscosity coefficients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjuvant radiotherapy in the treatment of pediatric myxopapillary ependymomas
Authors: Al‐Halabi Hani , Montes José L. , Atkinson Jeffrey , Farmer Jean‐Pierre , Freeman Carolyn R.
Published: May 2010

Objectives

Assess the role of radiotherapy (RT) in the management of primary and recurrent myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with MPE treated at the Montreal Children's Hospital/McGill University Health Centre between 1985 and 2008.

Results

Seven children under the age of 18 were diagnosed and treated for MPE. All patients were treated with surgery to the primary site. Three patients underwent subtotal resection (STR) and received adjuvant post‐operative RT. Only one patient who had spinal drop metastases received post‐operative RT to the lumbosacral region following complete resection of the primary tumor. After a median follow up of 78 months (range 24–180 months), all patients were alive with controlled disease. The single patient treated with gross total resection (GTR) and adjuvant local radiation remained recurrence free. One of the three patients treated with STR and adjuvant RT had disease progression that was controlled with re‐resection and further RT. Two of the three patients treated with surgery alone developed local and disseminated recurrent spinal disease that was controlled by salvage RT.

Conclusion

Our data support the evolving literature which suggests that GTR alone provides suboptimal disease control in MPE. In our patients, RT resulted in control of residual, metastatic and/or recurrent disease. Routine adjuvant RT may improve outcomes in pediatric MPE. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:639–643. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of delay in infusion of N‐acetylcysteine on appearance of adverse drug reactions after acetaminophen overdose: a retrospective study
Authors: Zyoud Sa'ed H. , Awang Rahmat , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Al‐Jabi Samah W.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between different types of adverse drug reaction (ADR) and late time to N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion in patients presenting to the hospital with acetaminophen overdose.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients admitted to the hospital for acute acetaminophen overdose over a period of 5 years (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008). The primary outcome of interest was the relationship between ADR, if any, and late time to NAC infusion. Parametric and non‐parametric tests were used to test differences between groups depending on the normality of the data. SPSS 15 was used for data analysis.

Results

Of 305 patients with acetaminophen overdose, 146 (47.9%) were treated with intravenous NAC and 139 (45.6%) were included in this study. Different types of ADR were observed in 94 (67.6%) patients. Late time to NAC infusion was significantly associated with cutaneous anaphylactoid reactions when compared to patients without this type of ADR (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in time to NAC infusion between patients with and without the following ADR: gastrointestinal reactions (p = 0.11), respiratory reactions (p = 0.77), central nervous reactions (p = 0.64), and cardiovascular reactions (p = 0.63).

Conclusion

Late time to NAC infusion is a risk factor for developing cutaneous anaphylactoid reactions, suggesting, rather than proving, that early NAC infusion (≤8 hours) may be protective against this type of ADR. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How are antibacterials used in nursing homes? Results from a point‐prevalence prescription study in 44 Norwegian nursing homes
Authors: Blix Hege Salvesen , Bergman Jenny , Schjøtt Jan
Published: May 2010

Purpose

To describe the use of antibacterials among nursing home residents in Norway according to diagnosis, therapy choice, doses and expected duration of treatment.

Methods

A one‐day point‐prevalence study was carried out in 44 Norwegian nursing homes, spring 2006. Use of systemic antibacterials was recorded by indication, antibiotic name, dose and expected length of treatment.

Results

Of the 1473 nursing home residents, 224 (15%) were prescribed antibiotics. 149 (10%) were given antibiotics as prophylaxis, while 85 residents (6%) were treated with an antibiotic for an infection. 10 residents received both prophylaxis and treatment simultaneously. Antibiotics for treatment were in 66% of the cases for urinary tract infections (UTI) and in 20% for respiratory tract infections (RTI) with pivmecillinam and phenoxymethylpenicillin most frequently used, respectively.

Conclusions

Antibiotics are often used in nursing homes, both as treatment and prophylaxis. The most common infections treated with antibiotics were UTIs, followed by RTIs. Choice of antibacterial, dosage and duration of treatment were in accordance with recommendations in guidelines. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.