bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaffold Sheet Design Strategy for Soft Tissue Engineering
Authors: Tran Richard T. , Thevenot Paul , Zhang Yi , Gyawali Dipendra , Tang Liping , Yang Jian
Published: February 2010

Creating heterogeneous tissue constructs with an even cell distribution and robust mechanical strength remain important challenges to the success of in vivo tissue engineering. To address these issues, we are developing a scaffold sheet tissue engineering strategy consisting of thin (~200 μm), strong, elastic, and porous crosslinked urethane- doped polyester (CUPE) scaffold sheets that are bonded together chemically or through cell culture. Suture retention of the tissue constructs (four sheets) fabricated by the scaffold sheet tissue engineering strategy is close to the surgical requirement (1.8 N) rendering their potential for immediate implantation without a need for long cell culture times. Cell culture results using 3T3 fibroblasts show that the scaffold sheets are bonded into a tissue construct via the extracellular matrix produced by the cells after 2 weeks of in vitro cell culture.
Microstructural Characterisation and Wear Behaviour of Diamond Composite Materials
Authors: Boland James N. , Li Xing S.
Published: February 2010

Since the initial research leading to the production of diamond composite materials, there have been several important developments leading to significant improvements in the properties of these superhard composite materials. Apart from the fact that diamonds, whether originating from natural resources or synthesised commercially, are the hardest and most wear-resistant materials commonly available, there are other mechanical properties that limit their industrial application. These include the low fracture toughness and low impact strength of diamond. By incorporating a range of binder phases into the sintering production process of these composites, these critically important properties have been radically improved. These new composites can withstand much higher operating temperatures without markedly reducing their strength and wear resistance. Further innovative steps are now being made to improve the properties of diamond composites by reducing grain and particle sizes into the nano range. This review will cover recent developments in diamond composite materials with special emphasis on microstructural characterisation. The results of such studies should assist in the design of new, innovative diamond tools as well as leading to radical improvements in the productivity of cutting, drilling and sawing operations in the exploration, mining, civil construction and manufacturing industries.
Self-Assembled Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Gonçalves Catarina , Pereira Paula , Gama Miguel
Published: February 2010

Hydrogel nanoparticles—also referred to as polymeric nanogels or macromolecular micelles—are emerging as promising drug carriers for therapeutic applications. These nanostructures hold versatility and properties suitable for the delivery of bioactive molecules, namely of biopharmaceuticals. This article reviews the latest developments in the use of self-assembled polymeric nanogels for drug delivery applications, including small molecular weight drugs, proteins, peptides, oligosaccharides, vaccines and nucleic acids. The materials and techniques used in the development of self-assembling nanogels are also described.
Tracking Fires in India Using Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (A)ATSR Data
Authors: Giriraj Amarnath , Babar Shilpa , Jentsch Anke , Sudhakar Singuluri , Murthy Manchi Sri Ramachandra
Published: February 2010

Forest fires pose a threat more serious than illegal felling in developing countries and are a cause of major concern for environmental security. Fires in tropical forests, though not devastating on a large scale as compared to large and infrequent fires in boreal or Mediterranean systems, still cause loss to biodiversity and economic and monetary value. In India, human-induced forest fires increasingly affect legally protected nature conservation areas. An array of satellite sensors that are now available can be deployed to monitor such events on a global and local scale. The present study uses night-time Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (A)ATSR satellite data from the last nine years to identify high fire-prone zones, fire affected areas in protected zones and the distribution of these incidents in relation to bio-geographic zones. Central India, with its vegetation type that is just right for fire ignition and spread, was observed to be the most severely affected area with maximum fire incidences. The bio-geographic zone comprising this area–such as the Deccan peninsula, which includes provinces like Central Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Central Plateau and Chhota Nagpur–was observed to be the most affected, accounting for approximately 36% of the total fire occurrences during the period 1997–2005. In protected areas, 778 fire incidents were observed within the last eight years. Comparison of (A)ATSR fire locations with MODIS active fire data for the Western Ghats (mainly of tropical evergreen forests and savannahs) and the Eastern Ghats (tropical deciduous) showed a spatial agreement of 72% with a minimum distance between the two products of 100 m. This study focuses on regions in India that are vulnerable to forest fires during specific time-frames and appraises the situation with an aim to minimize such incidents, if not completely stop the fire spread and its consequent destruction and loss. Our main objective is to understand seasonal and spatial variation in fire pattern and to identify zones of frequent burning.
The Socio-Technical Aspects of Water Management: Emerging Trends at Grass Roots Level in Uzbekistan
Authors: Abdullaev Iskandar , Mollinga Peter P.
Published: February 2010

In Soviet times, water management was presented generally as a technical issue to be taken care of by the state water bureaucracy. Due to structural changes in agriculture in the two decades post-independence, irrigation water management has become an explicitly political and social issue in Central Asia. With the state still heavily present in the regulation of agricultural production, the situation in Uzbekistan differs from other post-communist states. Water management strategies are still strongly ‘Soviet’ in approach, regarded by state actors as purely ‘technical’, because other dimensions – economic, social and political – are ‘fixed’ through strong state regulation. However, new mechanisms are appearing in this authoritarian and technocratic framework. The application of a framework for socio-technical analysis in some selected Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) in northwest Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region shows that the WUAs are becoming arenas of interaction for different interest groups involved in water management. The socio-technical analysis of Khorezm’s water management highlights growing social differences at grass root level in the study of WUAs. The process of social differentiation is in its early phases, but is still able to express itself fully due to the strict state control of agriculture and social life in general.
EVALUATION OF MAGNETIC-HYDROXYAPATITE NANOPARTICLES FOR GENE DELIVERY CARRIER
Authors: Wu Hsi-Chin , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: February 2010

With the advancement of nanotechnology, nano-sized bioceramics have been dedicated much attention to biomedical applications in the past decades. In this study, the magnetic-hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (mHap NPs) were synthesized and magnetized by the addition of irons into hydroxyapatite using precipitation process. The mHap NPs were with good biocompatibility and superparamagnetic property which would have great promise in biological applications. We have evaluated the essential properties including plasmid DNA (pDNA) binding capacity by electrophoresis, qualitative transfection efficiency by fluorescence microscopy and quantitative GDNF expression by enzyme-link immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated that mHap NPs could be successfully binding with pDNA to form pDNA-mHap NPs transfection complex. The endocytosis of pDNA-mHap NPs transfection complex was mediated into cells and facilitated if magnetic field was applied. The transfection efficiency could also be significantly improved by magnetofection. The gene expression had been four-fold increase in high pDNA loading (2 μg/well) in transfection procedure with magnetic field compared with traditional transfection method. In brief, the mHap NPs have great potential as non-viral inorganic delivery carriers for gene delivery system.
ANTIANGIOGENIC GENE THERAPY ON HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA USING ENDOSTATIN AND SONOPORATIONIN VIVO
Authors: Tsai Kun-Che , Liao Zhe-Kang , Lin Win-Li , Shieh Ming-Jium , Hwang Lih-Hwa , Chen Wen-Shiang
Published: February 2010

Antiangiogenic gene therapy is a promising approach to inhibit neovascularization via angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. In recent years, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as one of the suitable targets for antiangiogenic approaches due to its high neovascularization. On the other hand, ultrasound (US) is believed to be a novel and effective tool to locally deliver gene into target tumors. US can temporarily change the permeability of cell membrane and thus enhance the delivery of naked DNA into cells. In this study, the efficiency of gene transfection in tumor was compared by changing the US contrast agent (UCA) concentration and sonication time. Luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmids mixed with SonoVue®were injected intratumorally (IT), and US was applied at 20% duty cycle and 2 W/cm2in intensity. Finally, the efficacy of employing US to deliver genes encoded with an antiangiogenic factor, endostatin (ED), to suppress the growth of a preclinical HCC, which was inoculated subcutaneous (SC) tumor model, is evaluated. Our results show that weekly intratumoral injection group led to a 74% inhibition in HCC growth. In summary, the present study revealed the efficacy of US as a nonviral technology to efficiently deliver genes to tumors by weekly IT treatment approach, and to deliver angiogenic inhibitors to HCC in particular.
INTRANASAL DELIVERY OF MANNAN-COATED LIPOSOMES ENHANCES ANTIBODY RESPONSES TO A NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS VACCINE
Authors: Tseng Li-Ping , Chiou Chwei-Jang , Deng Ming-Chung , Huang Yi-You , Liu Der-Zen
Published: February 2010

The polysaccharide, mannan, has been shown to be an effective immunoprotective agent and vaccine adjuvant in a variety of bacterial and viral diseases in different animal species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immune response of chickens after being intranasal (i.n.) immunized using the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) encapsulated in liposomes and coated with mannan. Groups of chickens were vaccinated once intranasally with virus alone, then with uncoated liposome-encapsulated NDV (NC-lip), or mannan-coated liposome-encapsulated NDV (Man-lip). On day 14, velogenic viral challenge was carried out on vaccinated chickens. Chickens receiving virus alone had a 20% survival rate. In contrast, groups that received Man-lip had a higher survival rate of 70% (P < 0.01). The titers of mucosal secretary immunoglobulin A ( s-IgA ) was the highest in the group for the birds that received Man-lip as mucosal adjuvant (P < 0.01). These results suggest that liposomes coated with mannan may thus be used as a potential adjuvant for mucosal vaccination against NDV. This is the first study in which mannan has been demonstrated to enhance an adaptive immune response against ND virus infection in chickens.
Accurate correlations to estimate refinery fuel gas, natural gas, and fuel oil CO2 emission factors and its uncertainty
Authors: Márquez‐Riquelme Esteban F. , van der Steen Joop , Balzer Christoph , Maas Wilfried
Published: February 2010

The quantification of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories and its associated uncertainty is a relevant activity often requested by authorities. Accurate methods to calculate both inventories and the involved uncertainty are convenient for close monitoring purposes. Using Monte Carlo simulations, correlations of high accuracy between emission factors (EFs), lower heating value (LHV), and density were built for refinery fuel gas, natural gas and fuel/residual oil. In all cases, the data generated by the simulations also served the purpose of building correlations for upper and lower bounds of the EF that can be readily used to estimate the EF estimation uncertainty. The correlations were tested against actual refinery data and the results show that more accurate estimations were obtained compared with EF obtained from laboratory composition methods and from methods that estimate EF as proportional to LHV only. In the case of fuel and residual oils, the correlations developed are a function of LHV only but were improved by using a cubic polynomial. The calculation of upper and lower bounds for EF offer a convenient method to estimate EF uncertainties that are required in official GHG emissions inventory calculations. In conclusion, in addition to LHV, the use of one additional readily available fuel property, namely fuel density is sufficient to reduce uncertainty of estimation of GHG (in this case CO2) from combustion to acceptable levels. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Disability and employment among U.S. working‐age immigrants
Authors: Xiang Huiyun , Shi Junxin , Wheeler Krista , Wilkins J.R.
Published: February 2010

Background

There is little research which examines disability status and the employment decisions of the US immigrant working‐age population.

Methods

The 2007 American Community Survey data were analyzed to compare disabilities and employment characteristics between immigrant and US‐born adults 18–64 years of age. Separate logistic regression models of employment were constructed among persons with disabilities and among persons without disabilities. Each multivariate model included nativity/citizenship, sex, race/ethnicity, age, and education.

Results

In 2007, 40.8% (95% CI: 39.9–41.7) of immigrants with disabilities were employed, while only 34.9% (95% CI: 34.6–35.2) of US‐born persons with disabilities were employed. For each type of disability, including difficulty working, immigrants with disabilities were more likely than their US‐born counterparts to be employed. The median wage/salary incomes for persons with disabilities, foreign‐born and US‐born, respectively, were $20,000 and $22,000. In contrast, the median wage/salary incomes of foreign‐born persons with mental impairments, self‐care limitations, or participation restrictions exceeded those of US‐born persons with these same disabilities. Nativity and citizenship had different effects in separate logistic models of employment for persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities. Among persons with disabilities, foreign‐born citizens were more likely to be employed than the US‐born, OR = 1.40 (95% CI: 1.33–1.48), and non‐citizens were also more likely to be employed, OR = 1.74 (95% CI: 1.62–1.87), than US‐born persons. Among persons without disabilities, foreign‐born non‐citizens were less likely to be employed than the US‐born, OR = 0.82 (95% CI: 0.82–0.85).

Conclusion

Immigrants with disabilities were more frequently employed than US‐born persons with disabilities for all types of disabilities. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:425–434, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disability retirement among workers involved in large construction projects
Authors: Dyreborg Johnny , Hannerz Harald , Tüchsen Finn , Spangenberg Søren
Published: February 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of disability pension among workers engaged in the construction of the Øresund Link or the Copenhagen Metro, representing high levels of safety management.

Methods

The study subjects (n = 1,808) were followed for disability retirement. Age standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated and compared with SIRs of disability pension established in a previous study of workers engaged in the construction of the Great Belt Link (N = 5,882), representing a low level of safety management.

Results

Compared with all economically active men, the age SIR of disability retirement was 2.22 (95% CI = 1.61, 2.98) among the study subjects and 2.29 (95% CI = 1.9, 2.67) among workers at the Great Belt Link.

Conclusion

No significant progress was found in the incidence of disability pension among the study subjects despite substantial improvements in safety management compared with the Great Belt Link. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 596–600, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Farm work exposure of older male farmers in Saskatchewan
Authors: Voaklander Donald C. , Dosman James A. , Hagel Louise M. , Warsh Joel , Pickett William
Published: February 2010

Background

The average age of farmers in North America is increasing each year. Research has determined that age and health status are both related to increased risk of injury. The purpose of this research was to determine the association of health and medication factors with exposure to farm work in older male farmers.

Methods

As part of a cohort study to study determinants of injury on Saskatchewan farms, 5,502 farm people associated with 2,386 Saskatchewan farms were surveyed by mail questionnaire during the winter of 2007. The primary dependent variable was average hours per week of farm work. Independent variables included illnesses, age, and medication use.

Results

The mean number of hours worked per week by farmers aged 55 years and older was 48. There was a significant relationship between age and hours worked with each year of age accounting for about 0.85 hr less work per week. Medication use was related to a reduction in weekly work hours during the busy fall season but was not related to work exposure averaged over the whole year. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the main contributing variables to farm work exposure were: retired status (−), working off farm (−), and age (−).

Conclusion

The amount of hours older farmers work on the farm is considerable compared to any other occupational category. While there is a declining trend in the amount of work, a 75‐year‐old farmer still works, on average, about 34 hr per week. Some farmers do appear to self‐limit during busy times of the year if they are taking medication. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:706–715, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Work‐related amputations in Washington state, 1997–2005
Authors: Anderson Naomi J. , Bonauto David K. , Adams Darrin
Published: February 2010

Background

Work‐related amputations are infrequent but devastating injuries. Attempts to more accurately estimate the burden of amputations and industries at risk have led the Washington State occupational surveillance program to explore new methods for case identification in Washington State workers' compensation data.

Methods

Two methods were utilized for case identification of work‐related amputations. The first method used the ANSI Z16 nature code for amputation. An alternative method utilized medical, hospital, and claim administration coding of medical bills and bill payment systems. After identifying suspected amputation claims, a sample of the medical records associated with different case identification methods were reviewed to verify that an amputation likely occurred.

Results

From 1997 to 2005, 2,528 amputations were identified using the ANSI Z16 code for amputation (Nature = 100) and an additional 3,912 amputations were identified using the alternative method. There was an increasing trend of amputation injuries over the time period using the ANSI amputation definition; however, the trend in amputation injuries captured by the alternative method was decreasing. This may indicate a bias in estimating a trend due to misclassification of amputation injuries. The sectors with the highest amputation claims rates were Manufacturing; Construction; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting; Accommodation and Food Services; and Wholesale and Retail Trade.

Conclusions

Current methods to identify work‐related amputations in the workers' compensation data system underestimate the burden of amputations in Washington State. By utilizing alternative case identification methods, we estimate that there were about 150% more amputations in Washington State over the time period. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:693–705, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kohlenstoffnanomaterialien für Biosensoren: Nanoröhren oder Graphen – was eignet sich besser?
Authors: Yang Wenrong , Ratinac Kyle R. , Ringer Simon P. , Thordarson Pall , Gooding J. Justin , Braet Filip
Published: February 2010

Biosensoren finden immer mehr Anwendungsgebiete, von der Diagnostik lebensbedrohender Erkankungen bis zur Detektion von biologischen Kampfmitteln und zur Abwendung terroristischer Angriffe. Bei vielen neueren Biosensoren besteht das Sensorelement aus Kohlenstoffnanoröhren, und der Einsatz von Graphen – das im Grund genommen nichts anderes ist als eine nicht aufgerollte Nanoröhre – für diesen Zweck wird ebenfalls zunehmend erforscht. Angesichts der breiten Verwendung von Kohlenstoffnanomaterialien in Biosensoren ist es an der Zeit, den bisherigen Nutzen dieser Techniken zusammenzufassen. Aktuelle Entwicklungen bei elektrochemischen, elektrischen und optischen Biosensoren auf der Basis von Kohlenstoffnanoröhren und Graphen werden vorgestellt, und die Leistungsfähigkeit dieser beiden Kohlenstoffallotrope wird verglichen. Wir werden zeigen, dass Kohlenstoffnanomaterialien, trotz noch bestehender Probleme bei ihrer Herstellung und Handhabung, als Materialien für Biosensoren eine große Zukunft bevorsteht.
Ethanol‐promoted reductive homocoupling reactions of aryl halides catalyzed by palladium on carbon (Pd/C)
Authors: Shao Linjun , Du Yijun , Zeng Minfeng , Li Xiudong , Shen Wenting , Zuo Shufeng , Lu Yueqing , Zhang Xian‐Man , Qi Chenze
Published: February 2010

Homocoupling reactions of aryl bromides or iodides proceeded smoothly with palladium on carbon (Pd/C) catalyst, ethanol and base in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to afford exclusively symmetric biaryls in good to excellent yields. Ethanol was first used as a reducing agent in situ to reduce the Pd2+/C species into Pd0/C active species to complete the catalytic redox cycle. It was found that ethanol can promote the Pd/C‐catalyzed reductive homocoupling of aryl iodides and bromides efficiently in the presence of base. A reaction mechanism has been put forward and discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
National study of information seeking behavior of academic researchers in the United States
Authors: Niu Xi , Hemminger Bradley M. , Lown Cory , Adams Stephanie , Brown Cecelia , Level Allison , McLure Merinda , Powers Audrey , Tennant Michele R. , Cataldo Tara
Published: February 2010

As new technologies and information delivery systems emerge, the way in which individuals search for information to support research, teaching, and creative activities is changing. To understand different aspects of researchers' information‐seeking behavior, this article surveyed 2,063 academic researchers in natural science, engineering, and medical science from five research universities in the United States. A Web‐based, in‐depth questionnaire was designed to quantify researchers' information searching, information use, and information storage behaviors. Descriptive statistics are reported. Additionally, analysis of results is broken out by institutions to compare differences among universities. Significant findings are reported, with the biggest changes because of increased utilization of electronic methods for searching, sharing, and storing scholarly content, as well as for utilizing library services. Generally speaking, researchers in the five universities had similar information‐seeking behavior, with small differences because of varying academic unit structures and myriad library services provided at the individual institutions.
Enhanced Mass Transfer in Stirred Tanks
Authors: Zamankhan P.
Published: February 2010

The present effort will extend the scope of previous papers in which brine was prepared in a mixing tank with a Rushton turbine. In the present study, the large‐eddy simulations (LES) of the turbulent flow driven by an axial flow turbine in a baffled, cylindrical, lab‐scale stirred tank is coupled to a Lagrangian description of multi‐sized dissolving granules. In addition, a Lagrangian dynamic‐mesh methodology is applied to resolve the interfacial motion. An analysis of the results from computational flow simulation of dissolving solids suggests that the granulated form of dissolving sodium formate can be handled so as to maximize deagglomeration and to minimize packing. The large granules allow faster and easier preparation of formate brine compared to brine preparation from sodium formate powders, which are difficult to hydrate in a stirred tank.
Site‐Selective Ligand Exchange on a Heteroleptic TiIV Complex Towards Stepwise Multicomponent Self‐Assembly
Authors: Sakata Yoko , Hiraoka Shuichi , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: February 2010

A series of heteroleptic [Ti12X]− complexes have been selectively constructed from a mixture of TiIV ions, a pyridyl catechol ligand (H21; H21=4‐(3‐pyridyl)catechol), and various bidentate ligands (HX) in the presence of a weak base, in addition to a previously reported [Ti12(acac)]− (acac=acetylacetonate) complex. Comparative studies of these TiIV complexes revealed that [Ti12(trop)]− (trop=tropolonate) is much more stable than the [Ti12(acac)]− complex, which allows the replacement of acac with trop on the [Ti12(acac)]− complex. This TiIV‐centered site‐selective ligand exchange reaction also takes place on a heteronuclear PdIITiIV ring complex with the preservation of the PdII‐centered coordination structures. Intra‐ and intermolecular linking between two TiIV centers with a flexible or a rigid bis‐tropolone bridging ligand provided a tetranuclear and an octanuclear PdIITiIV complex, respectively. These higher‐order structures could be efficiently constructed only through a stepwise synthetic route.
Phosphorylation motifs in the nonhelical domains of myosin heavy chain and paramyosin may negatively regulate assembly in Caenorhabditis elegans striated muscle
Authors: Hoppe Pamela E. , Heustis Ronald J. , Flanagan Kelly A. , Reedy April R.
Published: February 2010

We are interested in mechanisms that establish and maintain the highly ordered contractile apparatus of striated muscle. The homologous proteins myosin and paramyosin are the major structural components of thick filaments in invertebrate animals. In Caenorhabditis elegans, both proteins contain a homologous, small nonhelical domain that is known to be phosphorylated in paramyosin. In this report, we show that a proposed phosphorylation motif (S_S_A), which is present in several copies in the nonhelical regions of both myosin and paramyosin, is highly conserved among nematodes. We used in vivo assays to examine the assembly properties of proteins in which one or more motifs were targeted by point mutagenesis or deletion. In all cases, expression of mutant proteins improved the phenotype of the corresponding null mutant animals, but produced variable structural defects, including birefringent aggregates in adults and abnormal localization in embryos. Point mutation, but not deletion, of the myosin A nonhelical tailpiece produced ectopic structures that appeared as masses of jumbled filaments by TEM. Antibody labeling showed that aggregates of either mutant protein did not recruit the endogenous version of the other. Analysis of mutant embryos lacking either paramyosin or myosin A (the essential isoform at the thick filament center) indicated that both wild‐type proteins can independently localize and initiate assembly, although the structures produced are abnormal. Our results suggest that muscle cells actively restrict myosin and paramyosin assembly through phosphorylation of the S_S_A motifs and that each protein is regulated independently. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glutathione S‐transferase polymorphisms are associated with survival in anaplastic glioma patients
Authors: Kilburn Lindsay , Okcu M. Fatih , Wang Tao , Cao Yumei , Renfro‐Spelman Amy , Aldape Kenneth D. , Gilbert Mark R. , Bondy Melissa
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are polymorphic enzymes that are responsible for glutathione conjugation of alkylators and scavenging of free radicals created by radiation. GST polymorphisms may result in altered or absent enzyme activity and have been associated with survival in patients with cancer. The authors of this report hypothesized that patients with anaplastic glioma (AG) who have GST genotypes that encode for lower activity enzymes will have longer survival than similar patients who have higher activity genotypes. The current study was performed to investigate the role of GST enzyme polymorphisms in predicting the survival of patients with AG.

METHODS:

The medical records of 207 patients with AG from a single cancer center were reviewed retrospectively. Polymorphisms for the GST μ1 (GSTM1), GST θ1 (GSTT1), and GST π1 (GSTP1) enzymes were identified. Overall survival was compared using the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards analyses adjusting for age, sex, histology, and therapy.

RESULTS:

Among the patients with oligodendroglial tumors (n = 94), patients who had the GSTT1 null genotype had a 2.9 times increased risk of death (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3‐6.3) compared with patients who had the GSTT1 non‐null genotype. Adjustment for 1p/19q status did not change the finding. In the patients who had anaplastic astrocytoma (n = 113), the patients with all GSTP1 genotypes except GSTP1 *B/*B had a 3.8 times increased risk of death (95% CI, 0.5‐29.6) compared with patients who had the GSTP1 *B/*B genotype.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors, the GSTT1 null genotype may be associated with poor survival, possibly because of modifications in therapy secondary to increased toxicity. This hypothesis is under investigation. In patients with anaplastic astrocytoma, the GSTP1 *B/*B genotype may confer a survival advantage. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Pentostatin and rituximab therapy for previously untreated patients with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Kay Neil E. , Wu Wenting , Kabat Brian , LaPlant Betsy , Lin Thomas S. , Byrd John C. , Jelinek Diane F. , Grever Michael R. , Zent Clive S. , Call Timothy G. , Shanafelt Tait D.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

The combination of pentostatin (P), cyclophosphamide (C), and rituximab (R) achieved an overall response (OR) rate >90%, with >40% complete responses (CRs) in patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

METHODS:

To evaluate whether the tolerability of this regimen could be enhanced without sacrificing efficacy, a phase 2 trial was conducted of P and R without C, using a higher P dose (4 mg/m2). Among the 33 patients enrolled, 82% were male, the median age was 65 years (9 patients were aged ≥70 years), and 64% were classified as having Rai stage III to IV disease.

RESULTS:

The OR rate was 76%, with 9 CRs (27%), 5 nodular partial responses, and 11 partial responses (PRs) reported. At the time of last follow‒up, 29 of 33 patients were still alive at a median follow‐up of 14 months (range, 1‐34.8 months). Four (12%) patients experienced grade 3 or higher hematologic toxicity, and 5 (15%) experienced grade 3 or higher nonhematologic toxicity. Comparison of this trial with the previous PCR trial demonstrated that patients treated with PCR had a higher OR rate (91% vs 76%) and CR rate (41% vs 27%) compared with patients treated with PR. The median treatment‐free survival for all accrued patients was notably longer in patients treated with PCR compared with PR (30 months vs 16 months).

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings of the current study suggest that increasing the dose of the purine nucleoside analogue does not eliminate the need for cyclophosphamide in chemoimmunotherapy for the treatment of CLL. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Investigation on vermilion, gingiva, and tooth color of young Uygur and Han populations in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Gao Chengzhi , Adalet Khasim , Liu Haishan , Wang Jing
Published: February 2010

This study examines oral tissue color in Uygur and Han Chinese populations. The color of oral tissues is of great significance in dental field. It remains uncertain whether there is any difference in the color of oral tissues between different nationalities or ethnicities. Little is known about the color of oral tissues in different Chinese populations. The study included 263 Uygur and Han students aged 18–22 years. The color of anterior teeth, vermilion, and attached gingiva in the subjects was measured by spectrophotometry and expressed through the CIELCh system. The t test and ANOVA was used to analyze color difference between groups. Distribution ranges for L (lightness), C (chroma) and h (hue angle) of anterior teeth, vermilion, and attached gingiva in these two ethnicities were obtained. Significant differences in color of oral tissues between Uygur and Han Ethnicities were found out. The Uygur and Han populations have similar spatial distribution ranges for the color of oral tissues, with slight differences that displayed strong regularities, suggesting that the color of oral tissues was associated with race. In addition, there was a trend of decreasing lightness (especially for maxillary anterior teeth), increasing chroma and redder hue from the center of teeth toward the sides in both ethnicities. There were differences in the color of teeth and attached gingiva between sexes in the Uygur and Han populations. The color of the upper vermilion differed significantly from that of the lower vermilion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2010
Synergistic effect of cinacalcet and active vitamin D in a dialysis patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Karger Christian P. , Schwenger Vedat , Sommerer Claudia , Zeier Martin
Published: February 2010

While treating a long‐term dialysis patient for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), indications of a synergistic effect between cinacalcet HCl and active vitamin D were observed. After 2.5 years, high initial cinacalcet doses of 180 mg/day could be significantly reduced to only 30 mg/non‐dialysis day without losing control over the intact parathyroid hormone. Calcium‐phosphorus product improved over time. The combination of cinacalcet and active vitamin D may improve the treatment of SHPT in dialysis patients. Dial. Transplant. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis of costal juxtacortical chondrosarcoma presenting as an abdominal mass
Authors: Rosa Marilin , Bajestani Saeed , Davis Cindy , Makary Raafat , Villas Bruce
Published: February 2010

The majority of chondroid tumors arising in the cortex of bone are benign in nature. Juxtacortical chondrosarcoma is a relatively uncommon variant of chondrosarcoma, which by definition, is a malignant cartilaginous tumor that occurs on the surface of bone and measures at least 5 cm.

Although the diagnostic value of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is well established, its role in the diagnosis of soft tissue/bone tumors is still not uniformly accepted. Herein, we describe an interesting and controversial case of costal juxtacortical chondrosarcoma presenting as a large intraabdominal mass in a 52‐year old female patient, which was diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration biopsy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:837–840. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circulating concentrations of parathyroid hormone-like peptide in malignancy and in hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Henderson Janet E. , Shustik Chaim , Kremer Richard , Rabbani Shafaat A. , Hendy Geoffrey N. , Goltzman David , Hendy Geoffrey N. , Goltzman David
Published: February 2010

We have examined circulating concentrations of a parathyroid hormone-like peptide (PLP) in patients with malignancies and in patients with hyperparathyroidism. The radioimmunoassay employed reacts with synthetic amino-terminal fragments of PLP but not with parathyroid hormone. Elevated plasma PLP concentrations were observed in 50% of patients with malignancy and hypercalcemia and in 15% of normocalcemic cancer patients, mean values being higher in the former group. Detectable plasma PLP concentrations were found in 2 of 39 control subjects. In 2 patients with breast cancer plasma PLP declined concomitantly with a reduction in tumor burden. Adenocarcinoma of the breast and squamous cell carcinomas were most frequently associated with high plasma PLP levels although a variety of histologic types were represented. The presence of metastases on bone scans did not correlate with either the severity of hypercalcemia or the extent of PLP elevation. Increased concentrations of plasma PLP were also observed in 4 of 20 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and in 5 of 16 patients with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Gel filtration analysis of immunoreactive PLP in plasma from 2 hypercalcemic breast cancer patients revealed heterogeneity, with, in each case, both large (greater than 15 kD) and small (6–) KD) molecular weight amino-terminal moieties. The results document the presence of PLP in the circulation of patients with cancer and are consistent with a pathogenetic role for PLP in the hypercalcemia of malignancy irrespective of whether skeletal metastases have occurred. PLP may also contribute to the skeletal and/or renal manifestations of hyperparathyroid states
Monoclonal antibodies to ros 17/2.8 cells recognize antigens, some of which are restricted to osteoblasts and chondrocytes
Authors: Perry Judith , Gilligan Moira , Green Elaine , Docherty Hilary , Heath David
Published: February 2010

We have raised a panel of 15 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing cell surface antigens of the rat osteoblast-like cell line ROS 17/2.8. The MAbs were selected on the basis of preferential binding to ROS 17/2.8 cells compared to ROS 25/1 cells. Immunohistochemical studies of antigen localization on cryostat sections of rat calvaria, long bone, and soft tissues demonstrated that five of these MAbs, UBIM 1, 2, 3, 12, and 17, recognize antigens that are restricted to normal rat osteoblasts and chondrocytes. The antigens appear to be localized to the cell surface of the osteoblast, with no apparent staining of bone matrix in either undecalcified or decalcified sections. In vitro, these MAbs recognize cell surface antigens present on two additional cell lines, ROS 24/1 and Rat 2 cells, and on the adherent cell population cultured from rat long bone marrow. Of these MAbs, three (UBIM 1, 2, and 3) recognize high-molecular-weight antigens of Mr 200,000-225,000. This study has also identified cell surface antigens of ROS 17/2.8 cells that are not expressed by osteoblasts in vivo. MAbs UBIM 9 and 21 bind to marrow cells in long bone sections, to the 7-day-old nonadherent cell population from cultured marrow, and to lymphoid tissue in sections of spleen. Another four MAbs (UBIM 10, 11, 14, and 22) bind to a variety of cells and tissues both in vitro and in vivo. Studies of the interactions of this panel of MAbs with osteogenic tissues and cell lines may have an important impact on the understanding of osteoblast physiology
24- and 26-Homo-1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 Analogs: Potencies on in vitro bone resorption differ from those reported for cell differentiation
Authors: Paulson Susan K. , Perlman Kato , Deluca Hector F. , Stern Paula H.
Published: February 2010

It has been proposed that the stimulatory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on bone resorption may be mediated through actions on differentiation of marrow cells into monocytic osteoclast precursors. In human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60), 24- and 26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and their Δ22 analogs and 24,24-dihomo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 are 10-fold more potent than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and Δ22-24,24,24-trihomo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is equipotent with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in inducing differentiation into the monocytic phenotype. The effect of these 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogs on resorption of fetal rat limb bones in vitro was determined in the present study. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 was equipotent with 24-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, Δ22-24-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and Δ22-26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for in vitro bone resorption, whereas 24,24-dihomo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and Δ22-24,24,24-trihomo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were inactive. The failure of these analogs to show a higher bone-resorbing activity than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 provides evidence to suggest that the mechanism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced bone resorption may not involve stimulation of monocytic cell differentiation
Radioiodinated rat parathyroid hormone-(1-34) binds to its receptor on rat osteosarcoma cells in a manner consistent with two classes of binding sites
Authors: Seitz Patricia K. , Nickols G. Allen , Nickols Maureen A. , McPherson M. Blaire , Cooper Cary W.
Published: February 2010

Binding of 125I-labeled rat (r) PTH-(1-34) to ROS 17/2.8 osteoblastic bone cells and to membranes from these cells was examined. Competitive binding inhibition experiments were performed using unlabeled rPTH-(1-34) with particular emphasis on concentrations of peptide below 1 nM. In intact cells, binding of labeled rPTH-(l-34) was highly specific, and inhibition of binding by unlabeled ligand suggested the presence of two classes of binding sites, one with high affinity and low capacity (KD = 40 pM, approximately 20% of total binding sites) and the other with lower affinity and high capacity (KD = 2 nM, approximately 80% of the sites). Membranes prepared from ROS cells also exhibited a pattern of binding from competitive inhibition curves consistent with two distinct binding sites (KD = 30 pM and 6 nM). In intact ROS cells, cellular cAMP levels increased over the range of 10−11-10−9 M rPTH-(l-34) with an ED50 intermediate between the two KD values (0.25 nM). These data suggest that osteoblastic bone cells possess two distinct classes of membrane receptors for PTH. Since the KD of the higher affinity site more closely approximates circulating concentrations of PTH, binding to this site may have physiologic relevance.
Human lactation: Forearm trabecular bone loss, increased bone turnover, and renal conservation of calcium and inorganic phosphate with recovery of bone mass following weaning
Authors: DR. Kent G. Neil , Price Roger I. , Gutteridge Donald H. , Allen Janet R. , Barnes Marion P. , Hickling Caroline J. , Retallack Robert W. , Wilson Scott G. , Devlin Rowena D. , Price Roger I. , Smith Margaret , Bhagat Chotoo I. , Davies Charmian , St. Johns Andrew
Published: February 2010

The calcium (Ca) metabolism of established human lactation was studied in 40 adult women (mean age 32.4 years) who had been breast-feeding for 6 months (Lac) and in 40 age-matched controls (Con) using fasting urine and blood biochemistry and forearm single-photon bone mineral densitometry (BMD). Serial studies were performed up to 6 months after weaning in Lac women and repeated once in Con women. During lactation the significant findings were (1) a selective reduction (7.1%, P < 0.03) in BMD at the ultradistal site containing 60% trabecular bone, but not at two more proximal, chiefly cortical bone sites; (2) increased bone turnover affecting bone resorption [fasting hydroxyproline excretion, Lac 2.22 + 0.12 μmol/liter GF (mean + SEM), Con 1.19 + 0.04, P < 0.001] and affecting bone formation (plasma alkaline phosphatase, Lac 81.9 + 2.5 IU/liter, Con 53.5 + 2.7, P < 0.001, and serum osteocalcin, Lac 14.0 + 0.7 μg/liter, Con 7.3 + 0.4, P < 0.001); and (3) renal conservation in the fasting state of both Ca and inorganic phosphate (Pi) with a resultant moderate increase in plasma Pi but not in plasma Ca (total or ionized). There were no differences between the groups in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH, intact and midmolecule assays), 25-hydroxy- and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, nephrogenous cyclic AMP production, or plasma creatinine. In 25 of these Lac women restudied at one or more of the times 2, 4, or 6 months after weaning, the findings were (1) an early (2 months) normalization of bone resorption and renal Pi handling with continuing increased bone formation and renal Ca conservation, associated with the onset of increased intact PTH levels; and (2) a recovery, within 4-6 months in ultradistal BMD associated with normalization of bone formation but with persisting renal Ca conservation and elevated intact PTH levels. We conclude that in established adult human lactation there is increased bone turnover with an accompanying loss of trabecular bone, despite renal conservation of Ca and Pi. After weaning, the deficit in trabecular bone is made up during a period of imbalance between a normal bone resorption rate and an elevated bone formation rate. The moderately elevated PTH after weaning may play a role in the recovery of bone mass by maintaining renal Ca conservation and by an anabolic action on bone.
Normal left ventricular performance in children with x-linked hypophosphatemic rickets: A doppler echocardiography study
Authors: Vered Iris , Dr. Whyte Michael P. , Vered Zvi , Perez Julio E. , Jaffe Allan S.
Published: February 2010

To determine if chronic hypophosphatemia causes myocardial dysfunction, we explored one model for this metabolic derangement by prospectively investigating 11 patients (aged 5-18 years) with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) by M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiography. Inorganic phosphate and calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) treatment was withheld 72 h prior to study.

None of the patients had cardiovascular symptoms. Fasting serum inorganic phosphate concentrations were subnormal in all: 2.6 + 0.5 mg/dl (SD). Serum total and ionized calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and creatine kinase myocardial fraction (CK-MB) levels were unremarkable. Electrocardiograms revealed early repolarization abnormalities in 3 of the 11 patients: 1 had significant QT prolongation (corrected for heart rate), and 2 had T wave abnormalities. Exaggerated U waves occurred in 4 subjects. Resting echocardiograms were normal in 9 patients. In 1 subject there was mitral valve prolapse, and 1 patient possibly had an atrial septal defect (these findings were considered unrelated to hypophosphatemia). All M-mode measurements were normal. The two-dimensionally derived end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes were 60.3 + 18.0 and 20.5 + 6.9 ml, respectively. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 66.1 + 4.7%, and the cardiac index by Doppler study was 4.1 + 0.8 liters/min per m2 (both values were within normal limits).

Although the precise pathogenesis of XLH is unknown and our findings suggest that some electrocardiographic abnormalities may be common in this disorder, we found no evidence for left ventricular dysfunction in this human model of clinically significant long-standing hypophosphatemia.
Treatment of paget's disease of bone with aminohydroxybutylidene bisphosphonate
Authors: O'Doherty Declan P. , Bickerstaff Derek R. , Mccloskey Eugene V. , Hamdy Neveen A. T. , Beneton Monique N. C. , Mian M. , Dr. Kanis John A. , Harris Steven
Published: February 2010

This study examined the effects of aminohydroxybutylidene bisphosphonate in 30 patients with Paget's disease of bone, administered as an intravenous infusion for 5 consecutive days. Treatment (5 mg IV daily) induced marked suppression of biochemical indices of disease activity. Urinary excretion of hydroxyproline fell to 50% of pretreatment values within 2 weeks and was followed by a similar, but later, decline in the serum activity of alkaline phosphatase. Disease activity remained suppressed throughout the 6 months of observation, and only 1 patient showed biochemical signs of an early relapse. Symptomatic improvement was noted in 27 of the 30 patients. Bone biopsies, undertaken in 10 patients, indicated no adverse effects on mineralization. Transient falls were noted in the total white cell count, particularly the lymphocyte and neutrophi1 fractions, and were associated with short-lived fever in 3 patients. We conclude that short courses of intravenous AHButBP provide a promising treatment for active Paget's disease of bone.