bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of image normalization on the statistical analysis of perfusion MRI in elderly brains
Authors: Dai Weiying , Carmichael Owen T. , Lopez Oscar L. , Becker James T. , Kuller Lewis H. , Gach H. Michael
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To fully understand the effects of an image processing methodology on the comparisons of regional patterns of brain perfusion over time and between subject groups.

Materials and Methods

Two brain normalization methods were compared using images of elderly controls and subjects with MCI and AD: the normalization package of statistical parametric mapping (SPM2), and a fully deformable model (FDM). The performance of these two normalization methods was quantitatively evaluated based on two criteria: (a) the alignment accuracy of five brain structures to the colin27 reference volume, and (b) impact of spatial normalization methods on the sensitivity of perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI).

Results

The delineations of all five brain structures had significantly higher overlap with expert manual tracings using FDM compared to SPM (two‐tailed, P < 0.025). When applied to the biostatistical analysis of CBF maps, a larger number of statistically significant voxels was identified from FDM compared with SPM2 regardless of the effects of the threshold and smoothing kernel.

Conclusion

The greater degree of deformation freedom associated with FDM may yield more accurate region matching and higher statistical sensitivity in identifying regions of CBF differences between elderly groups with prevalent late‐life neurodegenerative conditions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1351–1360. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Revisiting anaplastic astrocytomas I: An expansive growth pattern is associated with a better prognosis
Authors: Moulding Hugh D. , Friedman David P. , Curtis Mark , Kenyon Lawrence , Flanders Adam E. , Paek Sun Ha , Andrews David W.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To study whether anaplastic astrocytomas that are nonenhancing and/or well‐circumscribed (expansive) are associated with a better prognosis.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively identified 59 patients with pathologically confirmed World Health Organizaiton (WHO) grade III anaplastic astrocytoma who underwent craniotomy at our institution from 1995 through 2006. We assessed prognostic variables including age, enhancement (EAA—34 patients) vs. nonenhancement (NEAA—25 patients), MR growth patterns (expansive [28 patients] vs. mixed/infiltrative [31 patients]), recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class, resection extent, and addition of chemotherapy. Primary outcome measure was survival.

Results

Kaplan‐Meier curves showed improved survival in NEAA, expansive tumors, and RPA 1 class patients. Within RPA class I patients, expansive growth pattern remained a significant advantage in survival time. Examining extent of resection also showed that patients with gross total resections (GTR) had a better prognosis. A multivariate (Cox proportional hazards) analysis showed that patient age and expansive tumor phenotype affected outcome, whereas RPA class, enhancement, and GTR did not.

Conclusion

Circumscribed growth in histologically proven anaplastic astrocytoma, which has not been emphasized in past studies, has a considerable survival advantage. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1311–1321. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Revisiting anaplastic astrocytomas II: Further characterization of an expansive growth pattern with visually enhanced diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Guan Xin , Lai Song , Lackey John , Shi Jianrong , Techavipoo Udomchai , Moulding Hugh D. , Flanders Adam E. , Andrews David W.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To seek to distinguish and visualize the different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) growth patterns among malignant gliomas utilizing visually enhanced diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Materials and Methods

Nineteen consecutive patients undergoing image‐guided resection of a newly diagnosed malignant glioma underwent add‐on acquisition of DTI data based on an Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved imaging protocol during preoperative MRI scans for routine intraoperative image guidance. Tumor growth patterns were assigned to expansive or mixed/infiltrative classes as described in the companion article (24). Infiltrating tumors were WHO Grade IV astrocytomas and all expansive tumors were either WHO Grade III astrocytomas or WHO Grade II astrocytomas. DTI‐based white matter tractography was conducted and the DTI data were fused with anatomical images using an in‐house software package we developed to enhance the visualization of the tumor/fiber interface. In one case additional analysis was performed with 2D multivoxel1H‐MRSI utilizing a 2D chemical shift imaging (CSI) technique to corroborate the nature of this interface.

Results

Out of the 19 tumor patients studied, 11 had infiltrative tumors and the other 8 had expansive tumors. While less clear with 2D axial diffusion color maps, visually enhanced 3D reconstructions of the tumor/fiber interface successfully corroborated distinctive growth patterns. This was particularly evident when viewed in 3D video loops of each tumor/fiber interface.

Conclusion

We have successfully developed software that visually enhances the anatomic details of the tumor/fiber interface in patients with anaplastic astrocytomas. These data support the existence of a subgroup of patients within the WHO Grade III classification with expansive tumors and a significantly better prognosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1322–1336. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free‐breathing high‐spatial‐resolution delayed contrast‐enhanced three‐dimensional viability MR imaging of the myocardium at 3.0T: A feasibility study
Authors: Amano Yasuo , Matsumura Yoshio , Kumita Shinichiro
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of free‐breathing high‐spatial‐resolution delayed contrast‐enhanced three‐dimensional (3D) viability magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3.0T for the detection of myocardial damages.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five patients with myocardial diseases, including myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathies, were enrolled after informed consent was given. Free‐breathing 3D viability MRI with high spatial resolution (1.5 × 1.25 × 2.5 mm) at 3.0T, for which cardiac and navigator gating techniques were employed, was compared with breath‐hold two‐dimensional (2D) viability imaging (1.77 × 1.18 × 10 mm) for assessment of contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and myocardial damage.

Results

Free‐breathing 3D viability imaging was achieved successfully in 21 of the 25 patients. This imaging technique depicted 84.6% of hyperenhancing myocardium with a higher CNR between hyperenhancing myocardium and blood and with excellent agreement for the transmural extension of myocardial damage (k = 0.91). In particular, the 3D viability images delineated the myocardial infarction and linear hyperenhancing myocardium, comparable to the 2D viability images.

Conclusion

Free‐breathing high‐spatial‐resolution delayed contrast‐enhanced 3D viability MRI using 3.0T was feasible for the evaluation of hyperenhancing myocardium, as seen with myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1361–1367. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal in vivo susceptibility contrast MRI measurements of LS174T colorectal liver metastasis in nude mice
Authors: Kalber Tammy L. , Waterton John C. , Griffiths John R. , Ryan Anderson J. , Robinson Simon P.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To characterize longitudinal tumor progression in a murine orthotopic model of liver metastasis using susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Nude mice were inoculated intrasplenically with LS174T colorectal carcinoma cells 24 hours postadministration of 2.5 mgFe/kg of the ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle preparation feruglose. Contiguous T2 and T2*‐weighted multislice MR images were acquired 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 days postinoculation to longitudinally evaluate metastatic progression. Functional tumor vasculature and hypoxia were histologically evaluated at the final timepoint using Hoechst 33342 uptake, pimonidazole and hematoxylin and eosin staining. A parallel cohort of subcutaneous tumors was included for comparison.

Results

All intrasplenically inoculated mice developed liver metastases, evident in both T2*‐ and T2‐weighted images as high‐signal deposits, compared to feruglose‐nulled normal liver. Small lesions were detected as early as day 10 and all mice exhibited progressing lesions over 35 days. Liver metastases took longer to establish, but exhibited a similar volume doubling time to the subcutaneously propagated tumors of ≈2–3 days. Different functional tumor vascular architectures between the two growth sites were apparent.

Conclusion

Susceptibility‐contrast MRI using a single dose of feruglose can be used to easily detect and longitudinally monitor orthotopically propagated liver metastases in vivo. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;9999:1451–1458. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of absolute fat mass using an adipose tissue reference signal model
Authors: Hu Houchun H. , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To develop a method for quantifying absolute fat mass, and to demonstrate its feasibility in phantoms and in ex vivo swine specimens at 3 Tesla.

Materials and Methods

Chemical‐shift‐based fat‐water decomposition was used to first reconstruct fat‐only images. Our proposed model used a reference signal from fat in pure adipose tissue to calibrate and normalize the fat signal intensities from the fat‐only images. Fat mass was subsequently computed on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis and summed across each sample. Feasibility of the model was tested in six ex vivo swine samples containing varying mixtures of fat (adipose) and lean tissues. The samples were imaged using 1.5‐mm isotropic voxels and a single‐channel birdcage head coil at 3 Tesla. Lipid assay was independently performed to determine fat mass, and served as the comparison standard.

Results

Absolute fat mass values (in grams) derived by our proposed model were in excellent agreement with lipid assay results, with a 5% to 7% difference (r > 0.99; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preliminary results in ex vivo swine samples demonstrated the feasibility of computing absolute fat mass as a quantitative endpoint using chemical‐shift fat‐water MRI with a signal model based on reference fat from pure adipose tissue. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1483–1491. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐related non‐Gaussian diffusion patterns in the prefrontal brain
Authors: Falangola Maria F. , Jensen Jens H. , Babb James S. , Hu Caixia , Castellanos Francisco X. , Di Martino Adriana , Ferris Steven H. , Helpern Joseph A.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To characterize age‐related MR diffusion patterns of the prefrontal brain cortex microstructure using a new method for investigating the non‐Gaussian behavior of water diffusion called diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI).

Materials and Methods

Measures of mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean kurtosis (MK) were compared in the prefrontal brain cortex of 24 healthy volunteers (adolescents, young adults, and elderly) ranging from age 13 to 85 years. A Mann‐Whitney test was used to compare subject groups with respect to the diffusion measures, and linear regression was used to characterize the change in each diffusion measure as a function of age.

Results

We found significant age‐related changes in the elderly adult group, with increase of MD and decrease of FA.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates distinct mean kurtosis patterns for different age‐ranges, with significant age‐related correlation for mean kurtosis (MK) and MK peak position, showing that diffusional kurtosis is able to characterize and measure age‐related diffusion changes for both grey and white matter, in the developing and aging brain. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1345–1350. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two different types of ring‐like enhancement on dynamic MR imaging in breast cancer: Correlation with the histopathologic findings
Authors: Kobayashi Miki , Kawashima Hiroko , Matsui Osamu , Zen Yoh , Suzuki Masayuki , Inokuchi Masafumi , Noguchi Masakuni , Ohta Tetsuo
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To describe two different types of “ring‐like enhancement” seen on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of breast cancer, and compare their histopathological features.

Materials and Methods

A total of 326 breast carcinomas in 311 patients were evaluated regarding the existence and appearance of “ring‐like enhancement” in comparison to other MR imaging and histopathological findings.

Results

Early peripheral enhancement (EPE) was observed in 81 of 326 lesions (24.8%) and delayed rim enhancement (DRE) in 110 (33.7%). Spiculated mass, invasive ductal carcinoma with abundant stroma, central fibrosis/necrosis, and a higher degree of fat invasion correlated with EPE (P < 0.001). DRE correlated with lobulated or round mass with a smooth border, invasive ductal carcinoma with scanty stroma, higher degrees of inflammatory change and surrounding compressed tissue, and less fat invasion (P <0.001). EPE correlated with the ratio of the peripheral to central blood vessel density (P = 0.0036) and DRE with the ratio of the peritumoral to peripheral lymph vessel density (P = 0.0298).

Conclusion

The appearance of two different types of ring‐like enhancement on dynamic MRI in breast cancers was affected by the morphologic features, various histological factors reflecting the growth pattern of the mass, and angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1435–1443. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) isolates from faeces of small ruminants and environmental samples in southern Jordan
Authors: Tarawneh Khaled A. , Al‐Tawarah Nafe' M. , Abdel‐Ghani Adel H. , Al‐Majali Ahmed M. , Khleifat Khaled M.
Published: November 2008

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of VTEC in slaughtered sheep and goats and to evaluate the contamination rate of VTEC in slaughterhouses and butchers' shops in southern Jordan. 201 E. coli isolates from animals' faecal samples and 33 E. coli isolates from slaughterhouse/butcher shop samples were characterized by multiplex PCR (mPCR) reaction for detection of stx1, stx2, eae A and E‐hly A virulent genes. Twenty‐six virulent E. coli isolates were characterized by mPCR to seven different virulent patterns: stx1, stx1+stx2, stx1+eae A, stx1+E‐hly A, stx1+eae A+E‐hly A, eae A and E‐hly A. It was found that VTEC comprised 6.4% and 21% of the total E. coli isolates from slaughtered small ruminants and slaughterhouses/ butchers' shops, respectively. The VTEC comprised 76.2% of the virulent isolates. The proportion of stx1:stx1+stx2 patterns was 19:1. It was found that the characterized complex VTEC (containing eae A and/or E‐hly A) possessed three virulence patterns, including (VTEC) stx1 +eae A, (VTEC/EHEC) stx1 +E‐hly A and (VTEC/EHEC) stx1 +eae A +E‐hly A in percentages of 30%, 25% and 10%, respectively, in relation to the total VTEC isolates. Only two VTEC isolates were characterized as E. coli O157 and O26 serotypes, as highly pathogenic strains. Each of the O157 and O26 VTEC isolates was in a percentage of 0.4% in relation to the total E. coli isolates with virulent patterns stx1, eae A and E‐hly A. The rest of the VTEC isolates were non‐O157 VTEC. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that the isolated VTEC was highly sensitive to gentamicin and co‐trimoxazole and highly resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diterpenoids of macromycetes
Authors: Shen Jin‐Wen , Ruan Yuan , Ma Bing‐Ji
Published: November 2008

This review surveys the chemical and biological literature dealing with the isolation, structure elucidation and bioactivity of diterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of macromycetes, concentrating on work that has appeared in the literature up to December 2007. In addition, this paper examines the research of diterpenoids produced by macromycetes grown in mycelial culture and the culture conditions for the fermentation of macromycetes. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate synthase mutation on the metabolism of Ensifer (formerly Sinorhizobium) meliloti
Authors: Povolo Silvana , Casella Sergio
Published: November 2008

In order to investigate the effect of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate synthase mutation (phbC) on the synthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and glycogen, on the symbiotic properties and on the survival under specific conditions of Ensifer meliloti (formerly Sinorhizobium), a new stable phbC mutant of Ensifer meliloti 41 was isolated and characterized.

Under poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate accumulation conditions, the phbC ‐minus mutant (strain 41003) accumulates more glycogen and less exopolysaccharides as compared to the wild‐type strain, and grows poorly in pyruvate as carbon source. The inactivation of aniA, encoding for a global carbon flux regulator, restores in E. meliloti 41003 the ability to grow on pyruvate, indicating a new role for this gene. Survival studies of E. meliloti 41 and 41003 under carbon free medium in both liquid and soil microcosms showed prolonged survival of E. meliloti 41 under these adverse conditions as compared to the mutant strain unable to accumulate the polyester. On the other hand, the accumulation of P(3HB) gave no significant advantage in survival under oxygen‐limiting conditions. In both strains, E. meliloti 41 and 41003, nodule‐inducing ability on alfalfa plants and acetylene reduction activity did not significantly differ from each other, although the mutant strain was less competitive in terms of root colonization. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization and identification of Geobacillus spp. isolated from Soldhar hot spring site of Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Sharma Avinash , Pandey Anita , Shouche Yogesh S , Kumar Bhavesh , Kulkarni Girish
Published: November 2008

13 morphologically distinct strains of thermophilic bacteria isolated from a hot spring site in Garhwal region of Indian Himalaya have been characterized and identified using phenotypic and genotypic characters. All the strains developed circular to irregular colonies between 2–3 mm on Tryptone Yeast extract (TY) agar plates at 65 °C following 24–36 h incubation. In TY broth, facultative bacterial growth was observed within 12–16 h of incubation at 65 °C. The bacterial strains could tolerate a temperature range between 40–45 °C to 85–90 °C (optimum 65–70 °C) and pH between 4–11 (optimum 6–8). The cell morphology varied from short to long rods arranged in single, diplobacilli (in V or L shape) or short or long spiral chains with coiling. The bacterial strains varied in respect of their biochemical tests conducted for various enzymes, fermentation of sugars, tolerance to antibiotics and salt. Based on the 16S rRNA analysis, 11 strains showed maximum similarity with Geobacillus stereothermophilus, one strain with G. kaustophilus and one with Geobacillus sp. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Functional perfusion MRI predicts later occurrence of steroid‐associated osteonecrosis: An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Sheng Hui , Zhang Ge , Wang Yi‐Xiang , Yeung David Ka‐Wai , Griffith James Francis , Leung Kwok‐Sui , Qin Ling
Published: November 2008

Ischemia is the defined pathway leading to steroid‐associated osteonecrosis (ON). Early detection of ischemic condition may help predict later ON occurrence. Bone marrow perfusion function evaluation by perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be a unique modality for this application. Twenty‐five adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and methylprednisolone (MPS) were administrated for ON induction based on a published protocol. T1‐weighted and fat suppression T2‐weighted MR imaging (conventional MRI) were performed for ON lesion detection based on the abnormal signal in the proximal femora at week 0 as the baseline (before LPS injection), and week 1 and week 2 after MPS injection. At the same time, the blood perfusion function in the proximal femora was measured by perfusion MRI. Maximum enhancement (ME)—an index of MRI perfusion function was analyzed. After MRI scanning, the proximal femora were prepared histopathologically for ON lesion analysis. The rabbit with bilateral histopathological ON lesions was defined as an ON+ rabbit and included in the ON+ group evaluated at week 1 and week 2, respectively, and the rabbit without ON lesions in bilateral femora was classified into the ON− group. For the underlying mechanism of perfusion change, the extravascular marrow fat cells were measured and the intravascular endothelium inflammation injury indicator of tissue factor (TF) expression and thrombus formation were detected. In ON+ group, ME in perfusion MRI showed a significant decrease at week 1 and week 2 as compared with the baseline (p < 0.01). There was a more than 50% decrease in ME at week 1 in ON+ group; whereas there were no detectable ON lesions by conventional MRI at week 1, though 93% (14/15) rabbits could be detected at week 2 in ON+ group. In ON− group, ME showed a slight decrease at week 1 (less than 30%), and nearly recovered to normal at week 2 as compared with the baseline. Histological results showed a much larger average marrow fat area and more severe marrow blood sinusoids compression from surrounding crowded fat cells, and stronger positive TF expression in marrow endothelium and more thrombus formation in ON+ rabbits than ON− rabbits. This study demonstrated that functional perfusion MRI could predict development of steroid‐associated ON. Our experimental data suggested that perfusion MRI might be a sensitive noninvasive modality for monitoring steroid‐associated ON in patients. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 742–747, 2009
Nucleus pulposus explant culture model
Authors: Feng Gang , Wan Yuqing , Shen Francis H. , Li Xudong
Published: November 2008

Many of the therapeutic interventions for intervertebral disc degeneration attempt to repopulate the nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue; however, NP cells are heterogeneous and not well characterized. To address this, we have investigated the morphology, extracellular gene and protein expression, and apoptosis changes in NP explants cultured in vitro with or without chondrogenic reagents for different periods. We also compared the susceptibility of the explants to different treatments by comparing: treatment of NP explants with GDF5 protein, transfection of NP explants with GDF5 plasmid, and infection of NP explants with GDF5 adenovirus vector. We found that expression levels of two of the major extracellular proteins found in NP tissue, that is, collagen II and aggrecan, could be maintained in an NP explant culture model with a chondrogenic medium up to 7 days, and were significantly higher than that of fresh NP tissue after 14 days of culture in vitro, whether or not chondrogenic medium was used. In addition, the NP explant responded to treatment with growth factor, and could be infected by virus and transfected by plasmid for further evaluation of growth factor gene therapy. NP explant culture could therefore provide an easy in vitro culture model to characterize NP cells and evaluate potential therapeutic reagents. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 814–819, 2009
Chondrocyte death in mechanically injured articular cartilage—the influence of extracellular calcium
Authors: Amin Anish K. , Huntley James S. , Bush Peter G. , Simpson A. Hamish R. W. , Hall Andrew C.
Published: November 2008

Calcium is thought to be an important regulator of chondrocyte death associated with articular cartilage injury. Our objective was to determine the influence of extracellular calcium on chondrocyte death following mechanical injury. Using a surgically relevant model of sharp mechanical injury (with a scalpel) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), in situ chondrocyte death was quantified within the full thickness of articular cartilage as a function of medium calcium concentration and time (2.5 h and 7 days). Exposure of articular cartilage to calcium‐free media (∼0 mM) significantly reduced superficial zone chondrocyte death after mechanical injury compared with exposure to calcium‐rich media (2–20 mM, ANOVA at 2.5 h, p = 0.002). In calcium‐rich media, although the extent of chondrocyte death increased with increasing medium calcium concentration, cell death remained localized to the superficial zone of articular cartilage over 7 days (ANOVA, p < 0.05). However, in calcium‐free media, there was an increase in chondrocyte death within deeper zones of articular cartilage over 7 days. The early (within hours) chondroprotective effect in calcium‐free media suggests that the use of joint irrigation solutions without added calcium may decrease chondrocyte death from mechanical injury during articular surgery. The delayed (within days) increase in chondrocyte death in calcium‐free media supports the use of calcium supplementation in media used during cartilage culture for tissue engineering or transplantation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 778–784, 2009
Sex differences in coupled knee motions during the transition from non‐weight bearing to weight bearing
Authors: Shultz Sandra J. , Beynnon Bruce D. , Schmitz Randy J.
Published: November 2008

Knee ligament injuries frequently happen when the joint transitions from non‐weight bearing (NWB) to weight bearing (WB). To gain insight into the mechanism that produces these injuries, physically active females (N = 41) and males (N = 39) underwent measurement of coupled tibiofemoral joint displacements [anterior tibial translation (ATT) and varus–valgus and internal–external rotations] and neuromuscular responses as the knee transitioned from NWB to WB in response to a 40% body weight load applied under the control of gravity. The transition from NWB to WB produced no difference in ATT between males and females; however, significant sex‐based differences were noted for both transverse and frontal plane knee motions. With the knee NWB, females were in a greater absolute valgus compared to males (6.6 vs. 5.0°), and moved through greater varus motion than males during the transition from NW to WB (2.3 vs. 1.4°), resulting in similar valgus alignment for both sexes at peak WB (4.3 vs. 3.6°). In the transverse plane, the knees of females were positioned in more external rotation compared to males when NWB (1.4 vs. −0.3°), then females externally rotated their knees while males internally rotated their knees during the transition from NWB to WB. This resulted in a 3.4° difference in transverse plane knee position at peak WB (2.3 vs. −1.1°). Our findings suggest that the coupled knee motions produced during the transition from NWB to WB are sex dependent, and may provide insight into the knee motion patterns that place females at increased risk of knee ligament injury. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 717–723, 2009
Activated platelets increase fibrinolysis of mesenchymal progenitor cells
Authors: Agis Hermann , Kandler Barbara , Fischer Michael B. , Watzek Georg , Gruber Reinhard
Published: November 2008

Bone regeneration is initiated by the formation of a blood clot. Activated platelets within this fibrin‐rich matrix release signaling molecules that can attract mesenchymal progenitor cells. To gain insight into the cellular mechanism by which activated platelets can support the immigration of mesenchymal progenitors, we have tested the hypothesis that platelet‐released signaling molecules increase the capacity of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) to activate plasminogen. We report herein that platelet‐released supernatants (PRS) elevate total urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and total plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) levels in BMSC, as assessed by immunoassay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed an upregulation of uPA, uPA receptor, and PAI‐1. Zymography and kinetic analysis based on casein hydrolysis revealed enhanced activity of cell‐associated uPA upon exposure of BMSC to PRS. Inhibiting c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) signaling reduced uPA production and decreased plasminogen activation. Corresponding Western blot analysis showed increased phosphorylation of JNK and AKT in BMSC treated with PRS. These results suggest that activated platelets can enhance the plasminogen activation capacity of mesenchymal progenitors through the stimulation of uPA production, requiring JNK and PI3K/AKT signaling. By this mechanism platelets may contribute to the organization of the blood clot during bone regeneration. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 972–980, 2009
Effects of dietary humate supplementation on performance, egg quality and egg yolk fatty acid composition in layers
Authors: Macit Muhlis , Celebi Saban , Esenbuga Nurinisa , Karaca Hatice
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of humate on performance, egg quality and egg yolk fatty acid (FA) composition in laying hens.

RESULTS: Six hundred and thirty White Lohmann layers at 46 weeks of age were assigned randomly to seven groups, each with 18 replicate cages of five hens. Control diet (C) and C supplemented with 0.10 (H1), 0.15 (H2), 0.20 (H3), 0.25 (H4), 0.30 (H5) and 0.35 (H6) wt% humate were offered for 25 weeks. Humate supplementation improved performance variables and egg quality indices including shape index, yolk colour, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit, but not specific gravity, shell strength and shell thickness. Average feed intake (g), egg production (%), egg weight (g) and feed efficiency for the groups were 118.9, 87.2, 68.1 and 2.07 (C), 118.8, 87.7, 66.3 and 2.08 (H1), 119.3, 89.8, 66.6 and 2.03 (H2), 119.5, 88.9, 66.9 and 2.05 (H3), 118.3, 86.5, 66.9 and 2.11 (H4), 119.3, 90.6, 66.9 and 2.02 (H5) and 123.6, 88.5, 66.1 and 2.16 (H6) respectively. Palmitoleic acid concentration increased from 4.34% (C) to 7.65% (H5) and stearic acid concentration decreased from 7.39% (C) to 5.39% (H6) of total FA.

CONCLUSION: Dietary humate supplementation improved performance, inner egg quality parameters and egg yolk fatty acid composition. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Texture and colour properties of proteins recovered from whole gutted silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) using isoelectric solubilisation/precipitation
Authors: Taskaya Latif , Chen Yi‐Chen , Beamer Sarah , Jaczynski Jacek
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: According to an FAO report, carp are the cheapest and by far the most commonly consumed fish in the world. Carp have minimal growth requirements, yet rapid growth rates. Although carp are generally considered unsuitable for human consumption in the USA, they have rapidly started populating major bodies of fresh water in the USA to the extent that commercial processing becomes of interest. However, typical mechanical means of meat recovery from carp are impractical owing to the bony nature of the carp carcass. Therefore the aim of the present study was to devise processing strategies to recover fish meat from carp that could be used in the development of human food products.

RESULTS: Isoelectric solubilisation/precipitation at acidic and basic pH values was applied to whole gutted silver carp. Depending on the solubilisation pH, protein and fat recovery yields were approximately 420–660 and 800–950 g kg−1 respectively. The process effectively removed impurities such as bones, scales, skin, fins, etc. from whole gutted carp. The proteins were concentrated to approximately 900 g kg−1, while the fat was reduced by 970–990 g kg−1. Functional additives (potato starch, beef plasma protein, transglutaminase and polyphosphate) improved (P < 0.05) the texture of carp protein‐based gels such that it was generally comparable to the texture of Alaska pollock surimi gels. Although titanium dioxide improved (P < 0.05) the whiteness of carp gels, it was lower (P < 0.05) than the whiteness of Alaska pollock surimi gels.

CONCLUSION: Isoelectric solublisation/precipitation allows protein and lipid recovery from whole gutted carp. However, if the proteins are used as a gelling ingredient in fish food products, functional additives are recommended. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Evolution of plant water status indices during butterhead lettuce growth and its impact on post‐storage quality
Authors: Barg Mónica , Agüero María V , Yommi Alejandra , Roura Sara I
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND:The stage of maturity of perishable commodities has an important bearing on their quality and shelf‐life. Lettuce is a highly perishable vegetable whose quality and shelf‐life are influenced not only by its water content but also by its water status. The purpose of this study was to analyse the evolution of water status indices (relative water content, water content, free water, bound water and free water/total water ratio) during lettuce growth, their behaviour after storage (7 days at 0–2 °C and 97–99% relative humidity) and how they impact visual quality. To accomplish these objectives, several harvests were gathered (at different maturity stages) and water status indices and visual quality were analysed in both fresh and stored lettuces.

RESULTS:As harvests were gathered in a more advanced state of maturity, a tendency of diminishment in the differences between values of outer and inner leaves was observed for all water status indices. Lettuces were able to retain high indices after storage only at final development stages. Sensory quality was higher in lettuces harvested at final development stages. Consequently, optimal maturity from the point of view of physiology and quality coincided with optimal weight and size for harvesting.

CONCLUSION:The stage of maturity at harvest affected the sensory quality of lettuces, those harvested at later stages being the ones that best maintained their quality attributes after storage. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification and structural elucidation of a novel fucoglucan from the fruiting bodies of Phellinus baumii Pilát
Authors: Ge Qing , Zhang Anqiang , Sun Peilong
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: Recently, much attention has focused on the biological properties of fungal polysaccharides. Polysaccharides extracted from Phellinus baumii Pilát are reported to have antitumor and immunostimulatory properties, as well as anti‐mutagenicity activity, hypoglycemic and free radical scavenging properties. In this paper, we report the chemical and structural characterization of a novel neutral polysaccharide isolated from the fruiting bodies of P. baumii Pilát.

RESULTS: PBF4, a purified polysaccharide, was isolated from the fruiting bodies of P. baumii Pilát, and was shown to be composed of L‐fucose and D‐glucose in a ratio of 1:4. It was found to be a fucoglucan consisting of a α‐(1 → 4)‐D‐glucopyranose backbone with some insertions of α‐(1 → 2)‐L‐Fucp residues. It also contained a minor β‐(1 → 4,6)‐linked D‐glucopyranosyl and β‐glycosidically linked nonreducing‐end D‐glucopyranosyl residues.

CONCLUSION: Our results add a new polysaccharide to those already described for different fungal groups. This kind of polysaccharide is useful for further study of the structure–function relationships and mechanism responsible for its biological activities. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Two‐photon stereolithography for realizing ultraprecise three‐dimensional nano/microdevices
Authors: Park S.‐H. , Yang D.‐Y. , Lee K.‐S.
Published: November 2008

Two‐photon stereolithography (TPS) provides many advantages for achieving two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) micrometer‐scale polymeric, ceramic and metallic structures applicable to complicated optical and neo‐electronic microdevices. In the fabrication of high‐resolution 3D microstructures, TPS has significant advantages over conventional microelectromechanical system (MEMS) processing, which involves time‐consuming multistep indirect fabrication processes. Many studies have recently been made to develop and improve the TPS process, focusing on creating greater efficiency, higher resolution, and greater productivity, which are essential requirements of a practical TPS process. For the first time, an artistic microstructure has recently been successfully produced with an ultraprecise spatial resolution, sub‐30 nm nanofibers, 3D multilayer imprint stamps for mass production, and ceramic 3D microstructures. In this review, we report the progress of two‐photon polymerization based on 3D microfabrication, including the results obtained from the original research. This report is presented in three sections: improvement of resolution, precise design schemes, and applications of 3D microstructures.
Mode locked and distributed feedback silicon evanescent lasers
Authors: Koch B.R. , Fang A.W. , Lively E. , Jones R. , Cohen O. , Blumenthal D.J. , Bowers J.E.
Published: November 2008

Electrically pumped lasers that can be made on silicon and integrated with other components are important in order to take full advantage of the capabilities of silicon photonics. In this paper we review two specific types of hybrid silicon evanescent lasers that can fulfill these requirements. We discuss recent results of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers and mode locked lasers made on silicon using evanescent coupling to thin films of III‐V material. Device designs and test results are discussed in detail.
ZnCdO/ZnO – a new heterosystem for green‐wavelength semiconductor lasing
Authors: Kalusniak S. , Sadofev S. , Puls J. , Henneberger F.
Published: November 2008

We report on our efforts to cultivate the ternary compound ZnCdO as a semiconductor laser material. Molecular beam epitaxy far from thermal equilibrium allows us to overcome the standard solubility limit and to fabricate alloys with band gaps ranging from 3.4 down to 2.1 eV. Optimized structures containing well‐defined quantum wells as active zones are capable of low‐threshold lasing under optical pumping up to room temperature. The longest lasing wavelength achieved so far is 510 nm.
Evidence for No Relevance of Anti–Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I–Related Chain A Antibodies in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Uzunel Mehmet , Kasimu Haxiaobieke , Joshi Meghnad , Ge Xupeng , Liu Jining , Xu Bo , Jaksch Marie , Jorns Carl , Nowak Grzegorz , Sumitran-Holgersson Suchitra
Published: November 2008

The polymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I–related chain A (MICA) antigen is being increasingly recognized as a potential target molecule for immune cells during allograft rejection. Here we studied whether MICA is a target antigen for antibodies in liver transplant patients. Eighty-four patients were investigated for the presence of MICA antibodies before and after liver transplantation with MICA-transfected cells and flow cytometry. MICA typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Expression of MICA in liver cells was determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Liver biopsy specimens from liver transplant patients were examined for MICA expression. A total of 22 of 84 (26%) patients had MICA antibodies either pre-transplant (8/84, 9.5%) or post-transplant (14/84, 17%). No correlation between rejection frequencies (14/22, 63%) or other clinical parameters was observed in patients with MICA antibody versus those without MICA antibody (29/62, 47%

P

= not significant). We found weak messenger RNA expression for MICA in liver cells but no protein or cell surface expression. In addition, no MICA expression in liver biopsy sections from liver transplant patients was observed at any time point, including rejections. Thus, our preliminary results demonstrate no causal relationship between the presence of MICA antibodies and liver allograft rejections. Therefore, it is likely that MICA may not be an important target antigen during liver allograft rejections.
Liver Regeneration in Donors and Adult Recipients After Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Haga Junko , Shimazu Motohide , Wakabayashi Go , Tanabe Minoru , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Fuchimoto Yasushi , Hoshino Ken , Morikawa Yasuhide , Kitajima Masaki , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: November 2008

In living donor liver transplantation, the safety of the donor operation is the highest priority. The introduction of the right lobe graft was late because of concerns about donor safety. We investigated donor liver regeneration by the types of resected segments as well as recipients to assess that appropriate regeneration was occurring. Eighty-seven donors were classified into 3 groups: left lateral section donors, left lobe donors, and right lobe donors. Forty-seven adult recipients were classified as either left or right lobe grafted recipients. Volumetry was retrospectively performed at 1 week, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. In the right lobe donor group, the remnant liver volume was 45.4%, and it rapidly increased to 68.9% at 1 month and 89.8% at 6 months. At 6 months, the regeneration ratios were almost the same in all donor groups. The recipient liver volume increased rapidly until 2 months, exceeding the standard liver volume, and then gradually decreased to 90% of the standard liver volume. Livers of the right lobe donor group regenerated fastest in the donor groups, and the recipient liver regenerated faster than the donor liver. Analyzing liver regeneration many times with a large number of donors enabled us to understand the normal liver regeneration pattern. Although the donor livers did not reach their initial volume, the donors showed normal liver function at 1 year. The donors have returned to their normal daily activities. Donor hepatectomy, even right hepatectomy, can be safely performed with accurate preoperative volumetry and careful decision-making concerning graft-type selection.
Decline in Native Kidney Function in Liver Transplant Recipients is Not Associated with BK Virus Infection
Authors: Salama Muna , Boudville Neil , Speers David , Jeffrey Garry P. , Ferrari Paolo
Published: November 2008

BK virus (BKV) infection is an established cause of allograft dysfunction in renal transplant recipients. The relationship between BKV infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD) post–orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BKV infection, its relationship to CKD and renal function loss over time in patients receiving OLT. Prevalence of BK viruria and viremia were studied in 41 post-OLT patients after a mean 6.5 ± 4.7 years posttransplantation. Renal function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from the yearly serum creatinine levels using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for detection of BKV DNA in urine and plasma. BK viruria was present in 24.2% of patients, but none of these OLT recipients had detectable BK viremia. Decoy cells in the urine were found in 9.7% patients, although none of these patients had BK viruria. CKD, defined as eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2, was found in 83% of OLT recipients. The yearly decline in eGFR was −6.9 ± 17 and −9.2 ± 18 mL/minute/year in BK viruria–positive and BK viruria–negative patients, respectively (

P

= 0.39). There was no relationship between the presence or absence of BK viruria and either current eGFR, yearly decline in eGFR, number and type of immunosuppressive agents, or etiology of liver failure. In OLT recipients, BK viruria is not associated with BK viremia or native kidney dysfunction. It appears that the most probable pathway for the development of BKV nephropathy requires a second hit, such as kidney inflammation, kidney ischemia, or donor-recipient human leukocyte antigen mismatch.
Impact of Immunosuppression Without Steroids on Rejection and Hepatitis C Virus Evolution After Liver Transplantation: Results of a Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Lladó Laura , Fabregat Joan , Castellote Jose , Ramos Emilio , Xiol Xavier , Torras Jaume , Serrano Teresa , Baliellas Carme , Figueras Joan , Garcia-Gil Agustin , Rafecas Antoni
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a steroid-free immunosuppression on hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence. A total of 198 liver transplantation (LT) patients were randomized to receive immunosuppression with basiliximab and cyclosporine, either with prednisone (steroid [St] group) or without prednisone (no steroids [NoSt] group). The group of 89 HCV-infected patients was followed up with protocol biopsies for 2 years after LT. This group of HCV patients are the patients evaluated in the present study. The rejection rate was 19% (St: 21% versus NoSt: 17%;

P

= 0.67). Patients in the St group had a slightly higher rate of bacterial infections (59% versus 38%;

P

= 0.05). Almost all patients had histological HCV-recurrence (St: 39/40 (97%) versus NoSt: 40/41 (97%);

P

= 1). The percentage of accumulated biopsies with grade 4 portal inflammation at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were, 23%, 49%, and 49% in the NoSt group, compared to 33%, 55%, and 69% in the St group, respectively (

P

= 0.04 at 2 years). The percentage of accumulated biopsies with grade 3 or 4 fibrosis at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 0%, 8%, and 22% in the NoSt group, compared to 8%, 19%, and 31% in the St group, respectively. Immunosuppression without steroids in HCV patients is safe, reduces bacterial infections and metabolic complications, and improves histological short-term evolution of HCV recurrence.
Hepatitis C Virus Therapy in Liver Transplant Recipients: Response Predictors, Effect on Fibrosis Progression, and Importance of the Initial Stage of Fibrosis
Authors: Roche Bruno , Sebagh Mylene , Canfora Maria Laura , Antonini Teresa , Roque-Afonso Anne-Marie , Delvart Valerie , Saliba Faouzi , Duclos-Vallee Jean-Charles , Castaing Denis , Samuel Didier
Published: November 2008

Antiviral therapy after liver transplantation (LT) using interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) can achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) rate ranging from 20% to 45%. The aims of our study were to assess efficacy and tolerability of therapy, effect on fibrosis progression and the importance of the initial fibrosis stage to outcome. A total of 113 hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected LT patients received 133 courses of IFN (standard, n = 29, pegylated IFN [pegIFN], n = 104) and RBV (75% genotype 1). Early virological response (EVR), end-of-treatment (EOT), and SVR were obtained in 74%, 55%, and 38%, respectively. EVR, completion of treatment, viral load before therapy, genotype non-1, and use of pegIFN were predictive of SVR, but only EVR remained in the multivariate analysis. SVR was obtained in 45% patients who received a second course of therapy. Paired biopsies at baseline, at EOT and at long-term were available in 42 patients. The mean fibrosis stage remained stable in patients with SVR and increased in patients without response. Rejection episodes were observed in 6% of patients. Tolerability of therapy decrease in patients with fibrosis stage ≥3 on baseline liver biopsy. A total of 20% of them died or were retransplanted due to liver failure as opposed to 1% of patients who had fibrosis stage <3. In conclusion, IFN and RBV achieved SVR in 38% of patients. EVR is independently associated with SVR. Fibrosis stage remained stable in patients with SVR and increased in nonresponders. Fibrosis stage ≥3 was associated with a high rate of liver failure, arguing for an early introduction of antiviral therapy.