bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretransplantation CD56+ innate lymphocyte populations associated with severity of hepatitis C virus recurrence
Authors: Rosen Hugo R. , Doherty Derek G. , Madrigal-Estebas Laura , O'Farrelly Cliona , Golden-Mason Lucy
Published: December 2007

Cluster of differentiation (CD)56+ lymphocytes are believed to play important roles in the innate immune response to viral infections by production of interferon (IFN)-γ and/or the recognition of virally infected cells, but their role in liver transplantation (LT) has not been characterized. Here, for the first time, we examine the phenotypic and functional features of these cells in patients undergoing LT for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver failure. The study was comprised of four patient groups: patients with mild HCV recurrence (n = 9), severe HCV recurrence (n = 10), patients with non-HCV-related liver failure (n =10), and normal healthy subjects (n = 10). Pre-LT, the frequency of circulating CD56+ lymphocytes was significantly lower in patients who subsequently developed severe HCV recurrence, relative to those patients who developed mild histologic recurrence, as well as non-HCV controls. HCV was associated with impaired lymphokine-activated killing and natural cytotoxicity. We found that natural T (NT) cells that coexpressed CD4/CD8 or expressed CD8 alone were more frequent in patients who subsequently developed severe recurrence. In contrast, NT cells that expressed only CD4 appeared to be depleted in HCV infection relative to controls. A significantly higher percentage of NTs in both HCV groups expressed the inhibitory receptor NKG2A relative to HCV-negative controls with liver disease. In conclusion, these results demonstrate a previously unappreciated association between pretransplantation CD56+ lymphocytes and outcome of HCV recurrence and provide novel mechanistic insights into the immunopathogenesis of HCV recurrence, as well as potential targets for therapeutic manipulation. Liver Transpl 14:31–40, 2008. © 2007 AASLD.
Predicting immunosuppressant dosing in the early postoperative period with noninvasive indocyanine green elimination following orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Parker Brian M. , Cywinski Jacek B. , Alster Joan M. , Irefin Samuel A. , Popovich Marc , Beven Michael , Fung John J.
Published: December 2007

Twenty adult patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) were enrolled in this study, with the noninvasive indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) measured both during and after OLT to assess the relationship between ICG-PDR and the ability of patients to achieve therapeutic postoperative tacrolimus immunosuppressant blood levels. Liver function was determined at both 2 and 18 hours post reperfusion with the ICG-PDR k value (1/min). Postoperative standard serum measures of liver function as well as liver biopsies were also collected and analyzed. The median ICG-PDR k value for the study group at 2 hours post reperfusion was 0.20 (0.16, 0.27), whereas at 18 hours post reperfusion, it was 0.22 (0.18, 0.35). The median change in the k value between the two ICG-PDR measurements was 0.05 (−0.02, 0.07) with P = 0.02. There was an interaction between the postoperative day 1 (18 hours post reperfusion) ICG-PDR k value and the linear increase in the tacrolimus blood level, such that the greater the k value was, the more gradual the observed rise was in tacrolimus over time [that is, the longer it took to achieve a therapeutic blood level (>12 ng/mL), P = 0.003]. Of the 16 patients that received tacrolimus, comparable dosing on a per kilogram body weight basis was observed. Also, no significant association between ICG-PDR k values and postoperative liver biopsy results was seen. This study demonstrates that the ICG-PDR measurement is a modality with the potential to assist in achieving adequate blood levels of tacrolimus following OLT. Liver Transpl 14:46–52, 2008. © 2007 AASLD.
Recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: On-treatment prediction of response to peginterferon/ribavirin therapy
Authors: Hanouneh Ibrahim A. , Miller Charles , Aucejo Federico , Lopez Rocio , Quinn Mary Kay , Zein Nizar N.
Published: December 2007

Sustained virologic response (SVR) in the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT) remains suboptimal. We evaluated efficacy of pegylated interferon alfa (PEG) and ribavirin (RBV) (PEG/RBV) combination therapy in LT recipients with recurrent HCV and predictive values of rapid virological response (RVR) and early virologic response (EVR). Between January 2001 and October 2005, LT recipients with recurrent HCV were intended to be treated for 48 weeks with PEG/RBV combination therapy independent of genotype or virologic response [53 patients (79% genotype 1)]. On-treatment predictor of response at week 4 (RVR) was defined as undetectable HCV RNA, and at week 12 (EVR) as undetectable HCV RNA or a >2 log10 drop from pretreatment viral load. SVR was seen in 19 (35%) patients. Patients with genotype 2/3 were more likely to achieve SVR than those with genotype 1 (87% versus 23%; P = 0.001). The highest rate of SVR was seen in patients with RVR [specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) = 100%] while the highest rate of treatment failure was seen in those who did not have EVR [sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) = 100%]. The NPV of RVR to identify those who will not achieve SVR was also very high (88%). EVR had low PPV (63%) to identify those with SVR. In conclusion, PEG/RBV combination therapy is effective in the treatment of post-LT recurrent HCV. On-treatment virologic monitoring is highly predictive of SVR and may optimize the virologic response and minimize toxicity. Given its high PPV and NPV, RVR appears to be the most appropriate decision time point for continuation of therapy. Liver Transpl 14:53–58, 2008. © 2007 AASLD.
Spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation in two patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Bhagat Vishal , Foont Julie A. , Schiff Eugene R. , Regev Arie
Published: December 2007

Spontaneous resolution of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is exceedingly rare and poorly understood. As HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have shared routes of transmission, HCV coinfection is estimated to affect 15%-30% of the HIV-positive population. We report 2 patients with HCV-HIV coinfection who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation at our center and had spontaneous clearance of their chronic HCV infection after transplantation without any anti-HCV treatment. Both patients showed no evidence of HCV recurrence for more than 3 years despite long-term immunosuppressant therapy. Spontaneous clearance of chronic HCV infection can occur in HIV-HCV–coinfected patients after liver transplantation. The mechanism of this phenomenon remains unclear. Liver Transpl 14:92–95, 2008. © 2007 AASLD.
Biliary complications following liver transplantation in the model for end-stage liver disease era: Effect of donor, recipient, and technical factors
Authors: Welling Theodore H. , Heidt David G. , Englesbe Michael J. , Magee John C. , Sung Randall S. , Campbell Darrell A. , Punch Jeffrey D. , Pelletier Shawn J.
Published: December 2007

Biliary complications remain a significant problem following liver transplantation in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) era. We hypothesized that donor, recipient, and technical variables may differentially affect anastomotic biliary complications in MELD era liver transplants. We reviewed 256 deceased donor liver transplants after the institution of MELD at our center and evaluated these variables' association with anastomotic biliary complications. The bile leak rate was 18%, and the stricture rate was 23%. Univariate analysis revealed that recipient age, MELD, donor age, and warm ischemia were risk factors for leak, whereas a Roux limb or stent was protective. A bile leak was a risk factor for anastomotic stricture, whereas use of histidine tryptophan ketoglutarate (HTK) versus University of Wisconsin (UW) solution was protective. Additionally, use of a transcystic tube/stent was also protective. Multivariate analysis showed that warm ischemia was the only independent risk factor for a leak, whereas development of a leak was the only independent risk factor for a stricture. HTK versus UW use and transcystic tube/stent use were the only independent protective factors against stricture. Use of an internal stent trended in the multivariate analysis toward being protective against leaks and strictures, but this was not quite statistically significant. This represents one of the first MELD era studies of deceased donor liver transplants evaluating factors affecting the incidence of anastomotic bile leaks and strictures. Donor, recipient, and technical factors appear to differentially affect the incidence of anastomotic biliary complications, with warm ischemia, use of HTK, and use of a stent emerging as the most important variables. Liver Transpl 14:73–80, 2008. © 2007 AASLD.
Triple-phase computed tomography and intraoperative flow measurements improve the management of portosystemic shunts during liver transplantation
Authors: Aucejo Federico N. , Hashimoto Koji , Quintini Cristiano , Kelly Dympna , Vogt David , Winans Charles , Eghtesad Bijan , Baker Mark , Fung John , Miller Charles
Published: December 2007

Ligation of portosystemic shunts in patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation has been recommended to avoid insufficient portal vein (PV) flow. Shunts are not always recognized pretransplantation because intraoperative PV flow assessment is not routinely attempted. As a result of a posttransplantation PV thrombosis in a recipient with a large portosystemic shunt and a PV flow <1 L/minute, we employed triple-phase computed tomography with vascular reconstruction and intraoperative graft flow measurement to determine the need for inflow modification in our next 16 patients with large portosystemic shunts. Subsequently, 6 patients with large portosystemic shunts and PV flows ≤1 L/minute underwent inflow modification at the time of transplantation to improve venous graft inflow. One patient with PV thrombosis had PV replacement without shunt ligation. Two patients with large splenorenal shunts and extensive PV thrombosis had left renoportal bypass. In 7 patients with large portosystemic shunts and PV flow greater than 1 L/minute, inflow modification was not attempted, to avoid excessive venous inflow that could jeopardize hepatic artery flow via the hepatic artery buffer response. In conclusion, sustained good graft function and inflow were achieved in all 16 patients. Liver Transpl 14:96–99, 2008. © 2007 AASLD.
Another patient with an umbilical hernia and massive ascites: What to do?
Authors: Perkins James D.
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background:

Optimal management in patients with umbilical hernias and liver cirrhosis with ascites is still under debate. The objective of this study was to compare the outcome in our series of operative versus conservative treatment of these patients.

Methods:

In the period between 1990 and 2004, 34 patients with an umbilical hernia combined with liver cirrhosis and ascites were identified from our hospital database. In 17 patients, treatment consisted of elective hernia repair, and 13 were managed conservatively. Four patients underwent hernia repair during liver transplantation.

Results:

Elective hernia repair was successful without complications and recurrence in 12 out of 17 patients. Complications occurred in 3 of these 17 patients, consisting of wound-related problems and recurrence in 4 out 17. Success rate of the initial conservative management was only 23%; hospital admittance for incarcerations occurred in 10 of 13 patients, of which 6 required hernia repair in an emergency setting. Two patients of the initially conservative managed group died from complications of the umbilical hernia. In the 4 patients that underwent hernia correction during liver transplantation, no complications occurred and 1 patient had a recurrence.

Conclusions:

Conservative management of umbilical hernias in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites leads to a high rate of incarcerations with subsequent hernia repair in an emergency setting, whereas elective repair can be performed with less morbidity and is therefore advocated.
MMTCA Recognition by Molecular Imprinting in Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogels Based on Poly(acrylic acid) and Poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Ming‐Zhu , Liang Rui , Ding Sheng‐Long , Chen Zhen‐Bin , Chen Shi‐Lan , Jin Shu‐Ping
Published: December 2007

A novel IPN hydrogel designed to recognize MMTCA is prepared by applying the molecular‐imprinting method. The IPN is characterized by FT‐IR, DSC, and SEM. Langmuir analysis shows that an equal class of adsorption is formed in the hydrogel. The adsorption equilibrium constant and the maximum adsorption capacity are evaluated, and the effect of the pH on MMTCA adsorption is discussed. The selectivity of the imprinted polymer for MMTCA is studied in aqueous solutions of MMTCA/aspirin/riboflavin. The results suggest that the MMTCA‐imprinted polymer shows superior selectivity for MMTCA as compared to riboflavin and aspirin. The reproducibility of the imprinted polymer to MMTCA is also studied.

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Novel Synthesis of HPMA Copolymers Containing Peptide Grafts and Their Self‐Assembly Into Hybrid Hydrogels
Authors: Wu Kuangshi , Yang Jiyuan , Koňák Čestmír , Kopečková Pavla , Kopeček Jindřich
Published: December 2007

A new pathway for the synthesis of HPMA graft copolymers was developed and their self‐assembly into hybrid hydrogels was investigated. Linear water‐soluble polyHPMA was chosen as the polymer backbone, whereas coiled‐coil forming peptides, covalently attached to the backbone, formed the grafts. Peptides of different chain lengths were chosen for evaluation. The results revealed that graft length greatly affected gelation ability. At least four heptads were needed to facilitate the hybrid system to form hydrogels under the experimental conditions used. The major factors affecting the kinetics of hydrogel self‐assembly were concentration and temperature.

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Morphology and Properties of Polyethylene/Clay Nanocomposite Drawn Fibers
Authors: La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova , Scaffaro Roberto , Marino Rosamaria
Published: December 2007

The influence of an elongational flow on the morphology of PE/clay nanocomposite drawn fibers was studied. An increase of the elastic modulus and the tensile strength as well as a decrease of the elongation at break are observed with increasing draw ratio. The applied elongational gradient orients the polymer chains and the clay particles along the spinning direction. When the applied flow results in the formation and the orientation of exfoliated nanoparticles, a pronounced increase of the mechanical properties is observed. The dispersed clay particles can be broken and oriented by the extensional flow, which might indicate a flow‐induced intercalated/exfoliated morphology transition.

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Carbon Black Networking in Elastomers Monitored by Dynamic Mechanical and Dielectric Spectroscopy
Authors: Meier Johann G. , Klüppel Manfred
Published: December 2007

The morphological structure of CB networks in elastomers and their flocculation dynamics under heat treatment and especially during vulcanization are analyzed by dynamic mechanical and dielectric spectroscopy. Dielectric spectra in the MHz range show that nanoscopic gaps between adjacent CB particles develop during heat treatment or vulcanization. These gaps are maintained by immobilized polymer layers acting as flexible bonds between the particles. Low‐frequency dielectric data indicate that the static percolation model qualitatively describes the dielectric properties of the conducting CB network on large length scales, but a superimposed kinetic aggregation process takes place on smaller length scales.

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Chiral Polymeric Micelles From Electrostatic Assembly Between Achiral Porphyrins and Block Copolymers
Authors: Li Junbo , An Yingli , Chen Xi , Xiong De'an , Li Yan , Huang Nan , Shi Linqi
Published: December 2007

A chiral polymeric micelle is described, formed from the self‐assembly of TPPS and PEG114‐b‐P(4VP)38 in aqueous media based on their electrostatic interaction. The self‐assembly behavior is studied by DLS, SLS, TEM, UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, and CD spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate that the resultant hybrid spherical micelles with a hybrid P(4VP)/TPPS core and a PEG shell show chiral signatures. In addition, the chiral micelles have a large dimension and biphasic segregated structure because of the formation of H‐aggregates and J‐aggregates in the micellar core.

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Existence of Two Different Isotropic Phases as a Reason for Bistable Phase Behavior of an LC Side‐Chain Polymethacrylate
Authors: Polushin Sergey , Rogozin Viacheslav , Beloborodov Ilya , Rjumtsev Evgeny , Kozlovsky Mikhail
Published: December 2007

An isotropic melt of a chiral side‐chain polymethacrylate was studied by electric birefringence technique. A phase transition between two different isotropic phases was detected by Kerr effect and confirmed by WAXS measurements. The obtained experimental data can explain the previously reported bistable phase behavior of the polymer, as conventional Sm A phase is formed in slow cooling whereas a TGB‐like, optically isotropic mesophase in fast cooling.

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Superhydrophobic 3D Microstructures Assembled From 1D Nanofibers of Polyaniline
Authors: Zhu Ying , Li Jiuming , Wan Meixiang , Jiang Lei
Published: December 2007

Superhydrophobic dandelion‐like 3D microstructures self‐assembled from 1D nanofibers of PANI were prepared by a self‐assembly process in the presence of perfluorosebacic acid (PFSEA) as a dopant. The dandelion‐like microspheres (about 5 µm) are composed of uniform Y‐shaped junction nanofibers of about 210 nm average diameter and several micrometers in length, as measured by SEM. The dandelion‐like microstructure is coreless with a hollow cavity, and the shell thickness is about one third of the sphere diameter, as measured by TEM. Since PFESA dopant has a low surface energy perfluorinated carbon chain and two hydrophilic COOH end groups, it has dopant, is a “soft‐template” and brings about superhydrophobic functions at the same time. Moreover, it is proposed that the self‐assembly of PANI 1D nanofibers, driven by a combined interaction of hydrogen bonding, π‐π stacking and hydrophobic interactions, leads to the formation of the 3D microstructures.

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Self‐Assembly of Diblock Copolymers into Novel Snowflake‐Shaped Aggregates Driven by Quadruple Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Wang Yu , Cao Yu , Qiu Yipeng , Tang Liming
Published: December 2007

Two well‐defined diblock copolymers with quadruple hydrogen‐bonding groups on one block, denoted PSUEA‐1 and PSUEA‐2, have been synthesized, and novel snowflake‐shaped nanometer‐scale aggregates, self‐assembled by such diblock copolymers in non‐polar solvents, have been observed. The micellar dimensions were investigated by DLLS and SLLS. Their morphologies were studied by TEM. Since the degrees of polymerization of the Upy‐containing blocks of PSUEA‐1 and PSUEA‐2 are quite similar and the polystyrene block of the PSUEA‐1 is longer than that of the PSUEA‐2, a subtle but identifiable difference between the sizes and structures of the PSUEA‐1 and PSUEA‐2 aggregates was noticed and characterized.

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Micro‐Patterning of Polydiacetylene Supramolecules using Micromolding in Capillaries (MIMIC)
Authors: Baek Ji Hyun , Ahn Heejoon , Yoon Jaewon , Kim Jong‐Man
Published: December 2007

Micrometer‐sized polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicle patterns on titanium substrates have been successfully fabricated by using a micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) technique. The shape and width of the PDA patterns are well matched with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds used in the MIMIC process. However, the thicknesses of the patterned films are less than the depths of the PDMS molds, which may be a consequence of the poor water wettability of the PDMS and/or low concentrations of the PDA solutions. Heat‐treatment of the solid substrate, immobilized with blue‐phase PDAs, induces a blue‐to‐red‐phase transition and results in the formation of patterned fluorescence images.

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Photochromic Spiropyran Dendrimers: ‘Click’ Syntheses, Characterization, and Optical Properties
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Ning Zhijun , Yan Yongli , Qian Shixiong , Tian He
Published: December 2007

Resorting to ‘click chemistry’, four photochromic dendrimers, A‐Tri‐SP, B‐Tri‐SP, C‐Tri‐SP, and D‐Hex‐SP, have been synthesized facilely in sound yields of 85, 88, 94, and 80%, respectively. These dendrimers have been obtained by the straightforward coupling of azido‐attached photochromic spiropyran units to acetylenic‐terminated dendritic cores. The photochromic dendrimers show typical photochromic properties both in tetrahydrofuran solution and in poly(methyl methacrylate) film. They are demonstrated to be endowed with superior performance in comparison to the corresponding spiropyran monomer in terms of larger optical density, better stability of the open ring form, higher sensitivity towards the coordination of ferric ions, and better two‐photon absorption properties.

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Estimation of Macromolecular Configurational Properties from Atomistic Simulations of Oligomers under Nonequilibrium Conditions
Authors: Bernardin Frederick E. , Rutledge Gregory C.
Published: December 2007

Multi‐scale modeling requires the selection and preservation of information crucial to understanding the behavior of a system at appropriate length and time scales. For a full description of processed polymers, such a model must successfully link rheological properties with atomic‐level structure. We propose a method for the calculation of an important rheological state descriptor, the polymeric configuration tensor 〈QQ〉, from atomistic simulations of oligomers. The method requires no adjustable parameters and can describe anisotropic polymer conformations at conditions of significant deformation. We establish the validity of the atomistic‐to‐macromolecular scaling by comparing the consistency of predictions of 〈QQ〉 among different polyethylene oligomer systems. We use this method with the previously reported semi‐grand canonical Monte Carlo method to deduce macromolecular and atomic‐level structural information interchangeably for systems with flow‐induced orientation.

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Celecoxib‐induced growth inhibition in SW480 colon cancer cells is associated with activation of protein kinase G
Authors: Soh Jae‐Won , Kazi Julhash U. , Li Han , Thompson W. Joseph , Weinstein I. Bernard
Published: December 2007

Although it is often assumed that the antitumor effects of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are due to inhibition of cyclooxgenase (COX) activity, specifically COX‐2, there is accumulating evidence that COX‐2 independent mechanisms can also play an important role. Studies with sulindac sulfone (Aptosyn) and related derivatives have revealed a novel pathway of tumor growth inhibition and apoptosis mediated by activation of the guanosine 3′,5′ monophosphate (cGMP)‐dependent enzyme protein kinase G (PKG). The present study indicates that concentrations of the NSAIDs celecoxib, indomethacin, and meclofenamic acid that inhibit growth of SW480 human colon cancer cells inhibit subcellular cGMP‐phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymatic activity and in intact cells induce a two‐ to threefold increase in intracellular levels of cGMP. This is associated with phosphorylation of the protein VASP, a marker of PKG activation, activation of JNK1 and a decrease in cellular levels of cyclin D1; effects seen with other agents that cause activation of PKG in these cells. On the other hand even a high concentration of the COX‐2 specific inhibitor rofecoxib (500 µM) did not inhibit growth of SW480 cells. Nor did rofecoxib inhibit cGMP‐PDE activity or cause other changes related to PKG activation in these cells. Since activation of the PKG pathways by celecoxib, indomethacin, and meclofenamic acid in this cell culture system required high concentrations of these compounds, it remains to be determined whether activation of this pathway contributes to the in vivo antitumor effects of specific NSAIDs. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation improves deglutition in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ciucci Michelle R. , Barkmeier‐Kraemer Julie M. , Sherman Scott J.
Published: December 2007

Relatively little is known about the role of the basal ganglia in human deglutition. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) affords us a model for examining deglutition in humans with known impairment of the basal ganglia. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of subthalamic nuclei (STN) DBS on the oral and pharyngeal stages of deglutition in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). It was hypothesized that DBS would be associated with improved deglutition. Within participant, comparisons were made between DBS in the ON and OFF conditions using the dependent variables: pharyngeal transit time, maximal hyoid bone excursion, oral total composite score, and pharyngeal total composite score. Significant improvement occurred for the pharyngeal composite score and pharyngeal transit time in the DBS ON condition compared with DBS OFF. Stimulation of the STN may excite thalamocortical or brainstem targets to sufficiently overcome the bradykinesia/hypokinesia associated with PD and return some pharyngeal stage motor patterns to performance levels approximating those of “normal” deglutition. However, the degree of hyoid bone excursion and oral stage measures did not improve, suggesting that these motor acts may be under the control of different sensorimotor pathways within the basal ganglia. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
For better or worse: The effect of levodopa on speech in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ho Aileen K. , Bradshaw John L. , Iansek Robert
Published: December 2007

While the beneficial effect of levodopa on traditional motor control tasks have been well documented over the decades, its effect on speech motor control has rarely been objectively examined and the existing literature remains inconclusive. This paper aims to examine the effect of levodopa on speech in patients with Parkinson's disease. It was hypothesized that levodopa would improve preparatory motor set related activity and alleviate hypophonia. Patients fasted and abstained from levodopa overnight. Motor examination and speech testing was performed the following day, pre‐levodopa during their “off” state, then at hourly intervals post‐medication to obtain the best “on” state. All speech stimuli showed a consistent tendency for increased loudness and faster rate during the “on” state, but this was accompanied by a greater extent of intensity decay. Pitch and articulation remained unchanged. Levodopa effectively upscaled the overall gain setting of vocal amplitude and tempo, similar to its well‐known effect on limb movement. However, unlike limb movement, this effect on the final acoustic product of speech may or may not be advantageous, depending on the existing speech profile of individual patients. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Clinical and neurophysiological characterization of myoclonus in complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Munts Alexander G. , Van Rootselaar Anne‐Fleur , Van Der Meer Johan N. , Koelman Johannes H.T.M. , Van Hilten Jacobus J. , Tijssen Marina A.J.
Published: December 2007

The origin of myoclonus in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is unknown. Eight patients with CRPS related myoclonus were clinically evaluated and studied with intermuscular and corticomuscular coherence analysis. Jerks were present at rest, aggravated during action and were frequently associated with tremulousness or dystonia. Electromyography demonstrated a burst duration ranging from 25 to 240 ms with burst frequencies varying from <1 jerk/s during rest to 20 Hz during action. Coherence studies showed increased intermuscular coherence in 4 patients in the 6 to 12 Hz band, as reported in patients with enhanced physiological tremor. In 2 patients side‐to‐side coherence was observed, pointing to a central oscillatory drive. Significant coherence entrainment was detected in 5 patients. We conclude that the characteristics of myoclonus in CRPS are different from other forms of myoclonus. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Combination of photodynamic therapy and immunomodulation: Current status and future trends
Authors: Qiang Yong‐Gang , Yow Christine M.N. , Huang Zheng
Published: December 2007

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for the treatment of nonmalignant and malignant diseases from head to toe. Over the last decade its clinical application has gained increasing acceptance around the world. Pre‐clinical studies demonstrate that, in addition to the direct local cytotoxicity and vascular effects, PDT can induce various host immune responses. Recent clinical data also show that improved clinical outcomes are obtained through the combination of PDT and immunomodulation. This review will summarize and discuss recent progress in developing innovative regimen of PDT combined with immunomodulation for the treatment of both nonmalignant and malignant diseases. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 4, 632–644, 2008
Biotransformation of brominated flame retardants into potentially endocrine‐disrupting metabolites, with special attention to 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47)
Authors: Hamers Timo , Kamstra Jorke H. , Sonneveld Edwin , Murk Albertinka J. , Visser Theo J. , Van Velzen Martin J. M. , Brouwer Abraham , Bergman Åke
Published: December 2007

In this study, the endocrine‐disrupting (ED) potency of metabolites from brominated flame retardants (BFRs) was determined. Metabolites were obtained by incubating single‐parent compound BFRs with phenobarbital‐induced rat liver microsomes. Incubation extracts were tested in seven in vitro bioassays for their potency to compete with thyroxine for binding to transthyretin (TTR), to inhibit estradiol‐sulfotransferase (E2SULT), to interact with thyroid hormone‐mediated cell proliferation, and to (in‐)activate the androgen, progesterone, estrogen, or aryl hydrocarbon receptor. For most BFRs, TTR‐binding potencies, and to a lesser extent E2SULT‐inhibiting potencies, significantly increased after biotransformation. Microsomal incubation had less pronounced effects on other ED modes of action, due to low biotransformation efficiency and background activities determined in control incubations without BFRs. Moreover, cell‐based bioassays suffered from cytotoxicity from metabolites of lower‐brominated polybrominated diphenyl ethers. For the environmentally relevant 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47), six hydroxylated metabolites were identified. Individual metabolites had TTR‐binding and E2SULT‐inhibiting potencies 160–1600 and 2.2–220 times higher than BDE‐47 itself, whereas their combined potencies in a realistic mixture were well predicted via concentration addition. In combination with other environmentally relevant hydroxylated organohalogens acting on TTR‐binding and E2SULT inhibition, internal exposure to BFR metabolites may significantly contribute to the overall risk of endocrine disruption.
Regulation of NGFI‐B/Nur77 gene expression in the rat ovary and in leydig tumor cells MA‐10
Authors: Inaoka Yoshihiko , Yazawa Takashi , Uesaka Miki , Mizutani Tetsuya , Yamada Kazuya , Miyamoto Kaoru
Published: December 2007

NR4A1, also called NGFI‐B in the rat, Nur77 in the mouse and TR3 in humans, belongs to the orphan nuclear steroid hormone receptor superfamily and is one of the immediate‐early genes. In the endocrine organs, including the gonads, NGFI‐B/Nur77 gene expression is rapidly induced by pituitary hormones. NGFI‐B/Nur77 expression was found to be rapidly reduced by an estrogenic endocrine disrupter, diethylstilbestrol (DES) in theca interna cells of immature rat ovaries. DES treatment also triggered a rapid decrease of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, suggesting that DES acts on the hypothalamo–pituitary axis to suppress LH secretion from the pituitary. The transcriptional regulation of NGFI‐B/Nur77 by LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or 8‐bromoadenosine 3′–5′‐cyclic monophosphate (8 Br‐cAMP) was examined in mouse Leydig tumor cells MA‐10. Luciferase assays using NGFI‐B/Nur77 promoter constructs and electric mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that NGFI‐B/Nur77 gene expression was mediated through three of the four activator protein‐1 (AP‐1)‐like sites, namely the −233 AP‐1, −213 AP‐1 and −69 AP‐1 sites adjacent to the transcription start site of the NGFI‐B/Nur77 promoter. We also demonstrated here that both the Jun family and cAMP‐responsive element binding (CREB) proteins bind to the −233 AP‐1 site, whereas the main binding protein to the −213 AP‐1 site was CREB, and Jun family protein to the −69 AP‐1 site, respectively. The rapid induction of NGFI‐B/Nur77 gene expression by LH/hCG in MA‐10 cells appears to be mediated by both CREB and Jun family proteins through the cAMP‐protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 931–939, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of fibroblast growth factor 10 and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2B, in the bovine corpus luteum
Authors: Castilho A.C. , Giometti I.C. , Berisha B. , Schams D. , Price C.A. , Amorim R.L. , Papa P.C. , Buratini J.
Published: December 2007

There is evidence that several fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in growth and development of the corpus luteum (CL), but many FGFs have not been investigated in this tissue, including FGF10. The objective of this study was to determine if FGF10 and its receptor (FGFR2B) are expressed in the CL. Bovine CL were collected from an abattoir and classed as corpus hemorrhagica (stage I), developing (stage II), developed (stage III), and regressed (stage IV) CL. Expression of FGF10 and FGFR2B mRNA was measured by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Both genes were expressed in bovine CL, and FGF10 expression did not differ between stages of CL development. FGF10 protein was localized to large and small luteal cells by immunohistochemistry. FGFR2B expression was approximately threefold higher in regressed compared to developing and developed CL (P < 0.05). To determine if FGF10 and FGFR2B expression is regulated during functional luteolysis, cattle were injected with PGF2α and CL collected at 0, 0.5, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 64 hr thereafter (n = 5 CL/time point), and mRNA abundance was measured by real‐time RT‐PCR. FGF10 mRNA expression did not change during functional luteolysis, whereas FGFR2B mRNA abundance decreased significantly at 2, 4, and 12 hr after PGF2α, and returned to pretreatment levels for the period 24–64 hr post‐PGF2α. These data suggest a potential role for FGFR2B signaling during structural luteolysis in bovine CL. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 940–945, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation and characterization of the spermatid‐specific Smrp1 gene encoding a novel manchette protein
Authors: Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Miyagawa Yasushi , Tokuhiro Keizo , Kitamura Kouichi , Iguchi Naoko , Maekawa Mamiko , Takahashi Tohru , Tsujimura Akira , Matsumiya Kiyomi , Okuyama Akihiko , Nishimune Yoshitake , Tanaka Hiromitsu
Published: December 2007

The manchette, which is the structure that appears around the nuclei of elongated spermatids, is assumed to be involved in nuclear shaping during spermiogenesis and the transport of various proteins between the nucleus and sperm tail. In this report, we describe the molecular cloning and characterization of a mouse spermatid‐specific manchette‐related protein 1 (Smrp1) from a spermatid‐specific subtracted mouse testis cDNA library. The isolated Smrp1 cDNA clones could be divided into three variants based on sequence analysis. Computer‐assisted analysis showed that these variants were splice variants from a single locus of the mouse genome. The three putative proteins consisted of 296, 260, and 175 amino acids, respectively. Although 155 amino acids of the N terminus were common to the three proteins, they were distinguished by their C‐terminal regions. Western blot analyses using specific antisera showed that SMRP1 expression was specific to the testes and that only the 261‐amino‐acid form was translated into protein. Immunohistochemistry revealed that SMRP1 was localized to the cytoplasm of step 9–12 elongated spermatids. The protein appeared in a cap formation that covered the caudal sides of the elongated nuclei. This localization pattern coincided with that of the manchette. SMRP1 may play an important role as a functional protein that co‐operates with manchette proteins. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 967–975, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cre‐loxP system as a versatile tool for conferring increased levels of tissue‐specific gene expression from a weak promoter
Authors: Nakamura Shingo , Watanabe Satoshi , Ohtsuka Masato , Maehara Tadaaki , Ishihara Masayuki , Yokomine Takaaki , Sato Masahiro
Published: December 2007

Attempts to image reporter gene expression driven by weak promoters are often hampered by the poor transcriptional activity of such promoters. Most tissue‐specific promoters are weak compared with stronger but constitutively expressing viral promoters. In this study, we validated methods of enhancing the transcriptional activity of weak promoters using a Cre‐loxP system in vitro and in vivo. We constructed a tester vector, pCTL, which carries a strong systemic cytomegalovirus enhancer/ chicken β‐actin promoter (CAG), loxP‐flanked CAT, and firefly luciferase (luc) cDNAs. Herpes simplex virus‐thymidine kinase (HSV‐tk) promoter was used as a weak and systemic promoter and ligated to Cre for construction of pTC. Luc activity was higher (about 10‐fold enhancement) in co‐transfected (with pCTL and pTC) than in singly (with HSV‐tk promoter‐driven luc expression vector pTL) transfected NIH3T3 cells. In vivo electroporation‐mediated gene delivery of both pCTL and pTC into murine oviductal epithelium yielded results (about 16‐fold enhancement) similar to those obtained with in vitro‐transfected NIH3T3 cells. To evaluate tissue‐specific enhancement of gene expression, podocyte (glomerular visceral epithelial cell)‐specific nephrin promoter was ligated to the Cre gene or luc cDNA to create pNC and pNL, respectively. We achieved 2.4‐fold improvement of luc gene expression in the mouse kidney in vivo when pCTL and pNC were co‐transfected via the tail vein via the lipoplex method. The combination of a weak tissue‐specific promoter with the Cre‐loxP system could thus be used to enhance the strength of tissue‐specific promoters in vitro and in vivo. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1085–1093, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor as an inhibitor of implantation serine proteinases
Authors: Sharma Navneet , Kaur Jaspreet , Xu Hui , zur Nieden Nicole , Rancourt Derrick
Published: December 2007

We have recently identified and characterized twoimplantationserineproteinase genes, ISP1 and ISP2, which give rise to a dimeric proteinase, ISP that facilitates embryo invasion during peri‐implantation period. As many proteinases have cognate serpins that regulate their proteolytic activity, we have been investigating anti‐tryptases, expressed during this window of implantation. Here, we report the differential expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in uterine endometrium around the implantation period. The co‐localization of SLPI and ISP suggests the possibility that SLPI is an ISP serpin and that expression of SLPI may lead to a reduction in ISP activity. The expression of SLPI is down regulated during the window of embryo‐uterine receptivity. Our results are consistent with a model suggesting that the drop in SLPI expression may help to refine the opening of the window of implantation, by allowing the proteolytic activity of embryo invasive serine proteinases such as the ISPs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1136–1142, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coupled simulation of wave propagation and water flow in soil induced by high‐speed trains
Authors: Kettil P. , Lenhof B. , Runesson K. , Wiberg N.‐E.
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this paper is to simulate the coupled dynamic deformation and water flow that occur in saturated soils when subjected to traffic loads, which is a problem with several practical applications. The wave propagation causes vibrations leading to discomfort for passengers and people in the surroundings and increase wear on both the vehicle and road structure. The water flow may cause internal erosion and material transport in the soil. Further, the increased pore water pressure could reduce the bearing capacity of embankments. The saturated soil is modelled as a water‐saturated porous medium. The traffic is modelled as a number of moving wheel contact loads. Dynamic effects are accounted for, which lead to a coupled problem with solid displacements, water velocity and pressure as primary unknowns. A finite element program has been developed to perform simulations. The simulations clearly demonstrate the induced wave propagation and water flow in the soil. The simulation technique is applicable to railway as well as road traffic. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultimate bearing capacity of equally spaced multiple strip footings on cohesionless soils without surcharge
Authors: Kouzer K. M. , Kumar Jyant
Published: December 2007

The ultimate bearing capacity of a group of equally spaced multiple rough strip footings was determined due to the contribution of soil unit weight. The analysis was performed by using an upper bound theorem of limit analysis in combination with finite elements and linear programming. Along the interfaces of all the triangular elements, velocity discontinuities were considered. The value of ξγ was found to increase continuously with a decrease in S/B, where (i) ξγ is the ratio of the failure load of an interfering strip footing of a given width (B) to that of a single isolated strip footing having the same width and (ii) S is the clear spacing between any two adjacent footings. The effect of the variation of spacing on ξγ was found to be very extensive for small values of S/B; ξγ approaches infinity at S/B=0. In all the cases, the velocity discontinuities were found to exist generally in a zone only around the footing edge. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of beams on tensionless reinforced granular fill‐soil system
Authors: Maheshwari Priti
Published: December 2007

In this paper, a beam subjected to end concentrated loads has been modeled and analyzed to estimate its flexural response. The beam has been assumed to rest on reinforced earth beds with reinforcing elements having some finite bending stiffness. The reinforcing elements have been idealized as beams with smooth surface characteristics. The foundation system has been assumed to react only in compression (tensionless foundation), i.e. the separation between the upper beam and the ground surface has been taken into consideration. Winkler springs of different stiffnesses have been used to idealize the upper dense and lower poor soils. As the analysis considers the separation between the upper beam and the soil, the weight of the upper beam has been taken into account. The governing differential equations have been derived and presented in a non‐dimensional form. These equations have been solved using finite difference method with the help of appropriate boundary and continuity conditions. The response of the foundation system has been compared with the case when the beam is in perfect contact with the ground surface. The parametric study shows that the response of the model is greatly affected by the length ratio of beams, ratio of stiffness of upper and lower soil layers, ratio of flexural rigidity of upper and lower beams and weight of the upper foundation beam. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Harmonic and refined Rayleigh–Ritz for the polynomial eigenvalue problem
Authors: Hochstenbach Michiel E. , Sleijpen Gerard L. G.
Published: December 2007

After reviewing the harmonic Rayleigh–Ritz approach for the standard and generalized eigenvalue problem, we discuss several extraction processes for subspace methods for the polynomial eigenvalue problem. We generalize the harmonic and refined Rayleigh–Ritz approaches which lead to new approaches to extract promising approximate eigenpairs from a search space. We give theoretical as well as numerical results of the methods. In addition, we study the convergence of the Jacobi–Davidson method for polynomial eigenvalue problems with exact and inexact linear solves and discuss several algorithmic details. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Algebraic multigrid for stationary and time‐dependent partial differential equations with stochastic coefficients
Authors: Rosseel E. , Boonen T. , Vandewalle S.
Published: December 2007

We consider the numerical solution of time‐dependent partial differential equations (PDEs) with random coefficients. A spectral approach, called stochastic finite element method, is used to compute the statistical characteristics of the solution. This method transforms a stochastic PDE into a coupled system of deterministic equations by means of a Galerkin projection onto a generalized polynomial chaos. An algebraic multigrid (AMG) method is presented to solve the algebraic systems that result after discretization of this coupled system. High‐order time integration schemes of an implicit Runge–Kutta type and spatial discretization on unstructured finite element meshes are considered. The convergence properties of the AMG method are demonstrated by a convergence analysis and by numerical tests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Augmentation block preconditioners for saddle point‐type matrices with singular (1, 1) blocks
Authors: Cao Zhi‐Hao
Published: December 2007

We consider the use of block preconditioners for the application of the preconditioned Krylov subspace iterative methods to the solution of large saddle point‐type systems with singular (1, 1) blocks. Two block triangular preconditioners are introduced and the block diagonal preconditioner in Greif and Schötzau (Electron. Trans. Numer. Anal. 2006; 22:114–121) is extended to nonsymmetric saddle point systems. All these preconditioners are based on augmentation, using nonsingular weight matrices. If the nullity of the (1, 1) block takes its highest possible value, the preconditioned matrix with either block triangular preconditioner has precisely three distinct eigenvalues, and the preconditioned matrix with the block diagonal preconditioner has precisely two distinct eigenvalues, giving rise to immediate convergence of preconditioned GMRES. Finally, numerical experiments that validate the analysis are reported. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urban congregations as incubators of service organizations
Authors: Kinney Nancy T. , Carver Mary L.
Published: December 2007

A growing body of research has begun to describe the variety and pervasiveness of community services offered by religious congregations across the United States. This study investigated the process whereby a congregation forms a new community service entity by tracing patterns in its development from formation through emancipation. Based on a sample of twenty‐three spin‐off organizations engaged in housing services in three cities (Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis), this exploratory study found that religious congregations provided very limited forms of incubation for new entities. Although the congregations exhibited considerable involvement in governance, their inability to undertake management of daily spin‐off operations notably contributed to the eventual separation between parent and organizational offspring.