bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of augmented reality-guided needle placement for pulsed radiofrequency treatment of pudendal neuralgia: a pilot study on a phantom model
Authors: Boogaard Lars L. , Notten Kim , Kluivers Kirsten , Van der Wal Selina , Maal Thomas J. J. , Verhamme Luc
Published: March 2024

Background

Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is a chronic neuropathy that causes pain, numbness, and dysfunction in the pelvic region. The current state-of-the-art treatment is pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in which a needle is supposed to be placed close to the pudendal nerve for neuromodulation. Given the effective range of PRF of 5 mm, the accuracy of needle placement is important. This study aimed to investigate the potential of augmented reality guidance for improving the accuracy of needle placement in pulsed radiofrequency treatment for pudendal neuralgia.

Methods

In this pilot study, eight subjects performed needle placements onto an in-house developed phantom model of the pelvis using AR guidance. AR guidance is provided using an in-house developed application on the HoloLens 2. The accuracy of needle placement was calculated based on the virtual 3D models of the needle and targeted phantom nerve, derived from CBCT scans.

Results

The median Euclidean distance between the tip of the needle and the target is found to be 4.37 (IQR 5.16) mm, the median lateral distance is 3.25 (IQR 4.62) mm and the median depth distance is 1.94 (IQR 7.07) mm.

Conclusion

In this study, the first method is described in which the accuracy of patient-specific needle placement using AR guidance is determined. This method could potentially improve the accuracy of PRF needle placement for pudendal neuralgia, resulting in improved treatment outcomes.
Association between visfatin and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yaoqin , Xin Caihong , Xie Jing , Sun Xin
Published: March 2024

Background

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection in the periodontal support tissue. Visfatin, a hormone secreted mainly by adipocytes and macrophages, plays an important role in immune regulation and defense. Although studies have indicated that patients with periodontitis have significantly high serum and gingival crevicular fluid levels of visfatin, the relationship between this adipocytokine and periodontal disease remains unclear.

Aim

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the association between visfatin levels and periodontitis.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and Wiley Online Library databases were searched for potential studies, using “periodontitis” and “visfatin” as the keywords in the title and abstract search fields. Standardized mean difference (SMD) values with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined from the results of this meta-analysis.

Results

In total, 22 articles involving 456 patients with periodontitis and 394 healthy individuals (controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Visfatin levels were significantly higher in the patients with periodontitis than in the healthy individuals (SMD: 3.82, 95% CI [3.01–4.63]). Moreover, the visfatin levels were significantly lowered after periodontitis treatment (SMD: −2.29, 95% CI [−3.33 to −1.26]).

Conclusion

This first-ever meta-analysis comparing visfatin levels between patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals suggests that this adipocytokine can be a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for periodontal disease.
Clinical Profile of Post-COVID-19 Patients with Persistent Chest Pain: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Panda Sibaram , Sharma Sunil Kumar , Hati Jagannath , Panda Braja Bihari
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Chest pain in post-COVID-19 patients can be due to serious alarming post-COVID-19 sequelae, such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, etc. Approximately one-fifth of patients attending clinical Outpatient Department (OPD) following COVID-19 recovery present with persistent chest pain. There is limited knowledge about the clinical profile of patients experiencing persistent post-COVID19 chest pain. Aim: To describe the clinical profile of such patients to fill the knowledge gap and acquire new insights into patients with post-COVID-19 persistent chest pain. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling a total of 259 patients with persistent chest pain (i.e., chest pain lasting more than 24 weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis). After detailed history-taking and clinical and laboratory examinations, observed data were collected, compiled, evaluated, and analysed to achieve the study objectives. Results: Out of 259 patients, 133 (51.4%) had cardiac {85 (32.8%)} or pulmonary {48 (18.5%)} abnormalities. Among patients with cardiac abnormalities, CAD, arrhythmia, myocarditis/cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, and PAH were detected in 38 (14.6%), 18 (6.9%), 7 (2.7%), 11 (4.2%), and 11 (4.2%), respectively. Meanwhile, among patients with pulmonary abnormalities, 36 (13.9%) patients had organic residual lesions in the lung parenchyma, 7 (2.7%) had pleuritis, and 28 (10.8%) had pulmonary function abnormalities. The remaining 126 (48.6%) patients experienced chest pain due to non cardiopulmonary aetiologies like gastrointestinal {45 (17.3%)}, musculoskeletal {38 (14.6%)}, psychomotor {35 (13.5%)}, autonomic {8 (3.3%)}, etc. Conclusion: This study found that chest pain in post-COVID-19 patients arises due to multisystemic aetiologies such as cardiac, pulmonary, visceral, autonomic, psychomotor, musculoskeletal, etc. A wide spectrum of serious cardiac abnormalities (such as CAD, arrhythmia, myocarditis, pericarditis, PAH, etc.) contributes to about 1/3rd of cases of persistent chest pain in post-COVID-19 patients.
Study on Variability and Character Association Analysis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Deshmukh Vaishnavi Vilasrao , Masih Sam A. , Yadav Krishan Kumar , Maxton Ann
Published: March 2024

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a legume crop belonging to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae). Therefore, a better insight to the association of yield with its component traits can be helpful in improving the chickpea yield. The present study was conducted with 25 chickpea genotype to understand the magnitude of variability, heritability, genetic advance and the association of various yield components and their direct and indirect effect on yield of chickpea based on twelve traits at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during October–January 2022. ANOVA revealed significant variation existed for most of the trait. High GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance recorded by harvest index, seed yield, number of pod per plant,  number of seed per pod. Seed yield per plant shows highly significant and positive association with harvest index, number of pod per plant. Harvest index number of pod per plant and biological yield per plant showed highest direct effect on seed yield per plant.
Development of a Platform for Natural Killer Cell Therapy with Antiviral Efficacy
Authors: Kim Dongsoo , Yun Hyeongseok , Lee Jinhui , Yeon Dayoung , Yu Chi Ho , Gu Se Hum , Song Young-Jo , Kim Jung-Eun , Lee Seung-Ho , Lee Yong Han , Hur Gyeung Haeng , Kang Junghwa
Published: March 2024

Various vaccines were rapidly developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent and treat infections but global infections continue, and concerns about new mutations and infectious diseases persist. Thus, active research focuses on developing, producing, and supplying vaccines and treatments for various infectious diseases and potential pandemics.Natural killer(NK) cells, as innate immune cells, can recognize and eliminate abnormal cells like virus-infected and cancer cells. Hence, their development as anticancer and antiviral treatments is rapidly advancing. In this study, optimal short-term culture conditions were identified for allogeneic NK cells by simplifying the culture process through the isolation of NK cells(referred to as NKi cells) and eliminating CD3+ cells(referred to as CD3-cells). NK cells demonstrated reduced viral titer in injection of NK cells into SARS-CoV-2 infected ACE-tg mice increased survival.The study's findings could form the basis for an antiviral treatment platform that swiftly responds to new viral disease pandemics.
Chemical Facility Security
Authors: Berger Scott
Published: August 2007

The security of chemical and petroleum facilities has been an important topic since the chemical industry has been in existence. Security measures are necessary to prevent theft of valuable equipment, products, and intellectual property; prevent theft or diversion of materials for nefarious purposes; to prevent contamination or spoilage of product; and prevent catastrophic fires, explosions and toxic releases whether committed intentionally or as an accident or in the pursuit of another aim. There is no standard set of security measures to protect a facility. Instead it is necessary to follow a multistep Security Vulnerability Analysis (SVA). This article details these steps which include the following considerations: motivation of the attacker (terrorist or nonterrorist); attacker goals and strategies; attacker tactics; exploitable consequences, security vulnerability and countermeasures; and review and continual improvement. Once the possible threats have been analyzed, security countermeasures are implemented in a four‐tier approach; deterrence; detection; delay; and response. Long‐term security management is discussed.
Plasma Switches
Authors: Hegeler Frank
Published: August 2007

The sections in this article are

General Switch Parameters

Gas Spark Gaps

Surface Discharge Swtches

Diffuse Discharge Opening Switch

Plasma Opening Switches

Plasma Flow Switches

Thyratrons

Tacitrons

Crossatrons

Pseudospark Switches

Ignitrons
Probabilistic Risk Assessment
Authors: Modarres Mohammed
Published: August 2007

Risk can be categorized on the basis of the causes of risk or the nature of loss (consequences) or both. Risk is the potential for loss. Such a loss can be ultimately measured in economic terms, and thus, risk can be viewed as a potential economic loss. However, a more appropriate categorization is based on five broad categories that account for potential losses. These risk categories are Health, Safety, Security, Financial, and Environmental.

Definition of Risk

Categories of Risk

Applications of Risk Analysis

Probabilistic Approach to Risk

Steps in Conducting A
PRA
Morphology
Authors: Bassett D. C.
Published: August 2007

Polymer morphology contains a uniquely detailed record of the history of a polymeric material, notably its crystallization and deformation, and has been the key to understanding the fundamental aspects of such behavior. Early understanding of chainfolded solution‐grown lamellae has now been extended to melt‐crystallized polymers with their characteristic spherulitic textures. Spherulites form because adjacent individual dominant lamellae branch repetitively then diverge from the branch points. The divergence is due to repulsion by (mostly transient) cilia supplemented, for faster growth, by the nonparallel packing of initially rough surfaces. The speed of growth has a major influence on crystallization. When it is slow, fold surface packing has time to optimize with minimal surface stress. For more typical faster growth, fold surfaces form rough and stressed leading, in tightly packed structures such as polyethylene, to twisted growth. The intrinsically different lamellar populations within spherulites, forming in different environments at different times produce an inherent, spatially varying, spread of properties. This is true of the final processed product as well as the starting material because the initial transverse sperulitic morphology is retained on drawing to very high extensions.
Electrospinning
Authors: Yu Jian H. , Rutledge Gregory C.
Published: August 2007

Electrostatic fiber spinning or “electrospinning,” employs electrostatic forces to eject a charged fluid jet from a nozzle to make a fiber. Generally, the fiber is laid down on a collector to form a nonwoven mat. Electrospinning is also directly related to a well‐established process called electrospraying, in which tiny droplets are obtained instead of fibers. Almost any material that can be spun from melt or solution by conventional methods can be electrospun into fibers. This article details the electrospinning process. Theoretical background information is also supplied. Electrospinning devices come in different shapes and sizes and these are described. The dynamics of electrospinning are complex. A general guide to the effects of fiber properties and processing parameters on fiber diameter is given. Electrospun products include tissue scaffolds, inorganic nanofibers for catalysis, carbon nanofibers, composite fibers, and mats.
Corrosion mechanism of electrodes in ohmic cooking
Authors: Liu Zhenmin , Jayasinghe Sisira , Gao Wei , Farid Mohammed M.
Published: August 2007

Different types of bulk and coating materials, including Ag, TiN, ZrN, Ni(P) and Ni(P)‐PTFE, have been used as the electrodes for combined ohmic and plate‐cooking of solid food (meat patties). The plates of the grill are electrically heated, but are also connected to a power supply to act as two electrodes, which pass an electrical current through the meat patty placed between them. It was found that complex corrosion phenomena of different levels took place on most of the metallic and coated electrodes because of the strong electrochemical and Faradaic reactions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX were used to analyze the corrosion mechanism. On the basis of the experimental results, a physical model is introduced to explain the corrosion mechanism under the ohmic cooking conditions. Suggestions for electrodes selection and proper operating conditions are also recommended. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) biodegradable diblock copolyesters: Effect of the block lengths on their thermal properties
Authors: Niamsa Noi , Baimark Yodthong
Published: August 2007

Poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) [P(LL‐co‐CL)‐b‐PLL] diblock copolyesters were synthesized in a two‐step process with 1‐dodecanol (DDC) and stannous octoate as the initiating system. In the first‐step reaction, a 50:50 mol % amorphous poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) [P(LL‐co‐CL)] copolyester was synthesized via the bulk copolymerization of L‐lactide and ε‐caprolactone, which was followed by the polymerization of the PLL crystalline block at the end chain in the second‐step reaction. The yielded copolyesters were characterized with dilute‐solution viscometry, gel permeation chromatography, 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry methods. The molecular weights of the P(LL‐co‐CL) copolyesters from the first‐step reaction were controlled by the DDC concentrations, whereas in the second‐step reaction, the molecular weights of the P(LL‐co‐CL)‐b‐PLL diblock copolyesters depended on the starting P(LL‐co‐CL) copolyester molecular weights and L‐lactide/prepolymer molar ratios. The starting P(LL‐co‐CL) copolyester molecular weights and PLL block lengths seemed to be the main factors affecting specific thermal properties, including the melting temperature (Tm), heat of melting (ΔHm), crystallizing temperature (Tc), and heat of crystallizing (ΔHc), of the final P(LL‐co‐CL)‐b‐PLL diblock copolyester products. Tm, ΔHm, Tc, and ΔHc increased when the PLL block lengths increased. However, these thermal properties of the diblock copolyesters also decreased when the P(LL‐co‐CL) block lengths increased. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Comparative proteome analysis of the embryo proper and yolk sac membrane of day 11.5 cultured rat embryos
Authors: Usami Makoto , Mitsunaga Katsuyoshi , Nakazawa Ken
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Proteomic analysis of cultured postimplantation rat embryos is expected to be useful for investigation into embryonic development. Here we analyzed protein expression in cultured postimplantation rat embryos by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) and mass‐spectrometric protein identification. METHODS: Rat embryos were cultured from day 9.5 for 48 h or from day 10.5 for 24 h. Proteins of the embryo proper and yolk sac membrane were isolated by 2‐DE and differentially analyzed with a 2‐D analysis software. Selected protein spots in the 2‐DE gels were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight tandem mass spectrometric analysis and protein database search. RESULTS: About 800 and 1,000 protein spots were matched through the replicate 2‐DE gels each from one embryo in the embryo proper and yolk sac membrane, respectively, and virtually the same protein spots were observed irrespective to the length of culture period. From protein spots specific to the embryo proper (126 spots) and yolk sac membrane (304 spots), proteins involved in tissue‐characteristic functions, such as morphogenesis and nutritional transfer, were identified: calponin, cellular retinoic acid binding protein, cofilin, myosin, and stathmin in the embryo proper, and Ash‐m, dimerization cofactor of hepatocyte nuclear factor, ERM‐binding phosphoprotein, cathepsin, and legumain in the yolk sac membrane. CONCLUSION: Proteomic analysis of cultured postimplantation rat embryos will be a new approach in developmental biology and toxicology at the protein level. Birth Defects Res (Part B), 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of two HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors, pravastatin and pitavastatin, in plasma samples using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for pharmaceutical study
Authors: Deng Jian‐Wei , Kim Kwon‐Bok , Song Im‐Sook , Shon Ji‐Hong , Zhou Hong‐Hao , Liu Kwang‐Hyeon , Shin Jae‐Gook
Published: August 2007

We developed a method for determining pravastatin or pitavastatin, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors, in plasma using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Pravastatin, pitavastatin and the internal standard fluvastatin were extracted from plasma with solid‐phase extraction columns and eluted with methanol. After drying the organic layer, the residue was reconstituted in mobile phase (acetonitrile:water, 90:10, v/v) and injected onto a reversed‐phase C18 column. The isocratic mobile phase was eluted at 0.2 mL/min. The ion transitions recorded in multiple reaction monitoring mode were m/z 423 → 101, 420 → 290 and 410 → 348 for pravastatin, pitavastatin and fluvastatin, respectively. The coefficient of variation of the assay precision was less than 12.4%, the accuracy exceeded 89%. The limit of detection was 1 ng/mL for all analytes. This method was used to measure the plasma concentration of pitavastatin or pravastatin from healthy subjects after a single 4 mg oral dose of pitavastatin or 40 mg oral dose of pravastatin. This is a very simple, sensitive and accurate analytic method to determine the pharmacokinetic profiles of pitavastatin or pravastatiny. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the ZVS two‐switch forward converter with synchronous current doubler rectifier
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Wan Jin‐Fa
Published: August 2007

A soft switching two‐switch forward converter is presented to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) turn‐on of switching devices. In the adopted converter, a buck‐boost type of active clamp is connected in parallel with the primary winding of transformer. The energy stored in the transformer leakage inductance and magnetizing inductance can be recovered so that the peak voltage stress of switching devices is limited. The resonance between the transient interval of two main and auxiliary switches is used to achieve ZVS turn‐on of all switches. The current doubler synchronous rectifier is used in the secondary side of transformer for reducing the root mean square value of output inductor current, transformer secondary winding current and output voltage ripple by cancelling the current ripple of two output inductors. First, the circuit configuration and the principles of operation are analyzed in detail. The steady‐state analysis and design consideration are also presented. Finally, experimental results with a laboratory prototype based on a 380 V input and 12 V/30 A output were provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytomorphology of a solitary left chest wall mass: An unusual presentation from unknown primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Khalbuss Walid E. , Bajestani Saeed , D'Agostino Harry J.
Published: August 2007

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may present in various ways, but only very rarely with symptoms of distant metastases or evolve from ectopic liver tissue. This report describes a case of a 62‐year‐old white man who was admitted for hemoptysis and a large left chest wall mass that was growing for about a year. The patient underwent Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of the mass that revealed poorly differentiated large‐cell carcinoma. A lung primary was suspected initially; however, further workup of this patient showed an elevated serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level of 16,425 ng/ml. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed cirrhotic liver, evidence of esophageal varices, but no evidence of a liver mass. The FNA findings were reviewed and ancillary studies were performed, including pan cytokeratin (AE1/3), Hepatocyte Paraffin 1 (HepPar‐1), AFP, CD10, CD34, and polyclonal CEA. The results confirmed the diagnoses of HCC probably from occult primary or from ectopic liver tissue. The former was suggested, since serum AFP was dropped to 6,640 ng/ml following resection of the tumor. We concluded that HCC should be considered in the list of differential diagnosis of chest wall mass. HCC may present as metastatic disease from a clinically and radiologically unrecognized liver mass. FNA, coupled with ancillary studies, provides a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool in challenging cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:586‐589. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interlaboratory reproducibility of liquid‐based equivocal cervical cytology within a randomized controlled trial framework
Authors: Confortini M. , Bondi A. , Cariaggi M. P. , Carozzi F. , Dalla Palma P. , Ghiringhello B. , Minucci D. , Montanari G. , Parisio F. , Prandi S. , Schiboni M. L. , Ronco G.
Published: August 2007

Within a multicentre controlled trial framework, an external quality control (EQC) was scheduled to evaluate the interlaboratory reproducibility of liquid‐based cytology. In particular, this EQC intended to evaluate the reproducibility of the ASCUS diagnosis.

A selected set of 30 slides (4 within normal limit cases, 16 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance; 4 low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and 6 high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) circulated among the 13 laboratories involved in the trial.

Kappa values were obtained from the comparison between individual laboratory diagnoses and majority diagnoses with target diagnoses. Specific kappa values resulted moderate to high for HSIL and low to moderate for LSIL and WNL. Meanwhile, the specific kappa for ASCUS was below 0.4 in 12 of 13 participating laboratories.

The lack of reproducibility for ASCUS was not a result of the introduction of this new technology but rather to the low reproducibility of the ASCUS category itself stemming from intrinsic uncertainties in the reporting criteria. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:541‐544. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Giant cell carcinoma of the lung impact of diagnosis and review of cytological features
Authors: Alasio Teresa M. , Sun Wei , Yang Grace C. H.
Published: August 2007

Giant cell carcinoma of the lung is a specific type of lung carcinoma characteristically associated with a highly aggressive clinical behavior. This tumor comprises ∼1–5% of all lung cancers, affecting a similar patient population as other primary pulmonary carcinomas. It is not routinely treated surgically, owing to the fact that it is metastatic at the time of diagnosis. The cytological diagnosis of this entity on aspiration biopsy has an appreciable impact on patient care. We retrospectively examined 15 cases of lung fine‐needle aspirates in which a diagnosis of giant cell carcinoma or large cell carcinoma with giant cell features was made. We applied the criteria for cytological diagnosis of giant cell carcinoma previously set forth in the literature. In cases where there is a tissue diagnosis, we compared the results with the corresponding fine‐needle aspirates and correlated them with patient survival. Conclusions are made regarding the reliability of the diagnostic criteria of this malignancy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:555‐559. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells of the pancreas: A report of 2 cases with literature review
Authors: Chopra Shefali , Wu Mark Li‐Cheng , Imagawa David K. , Lee John , Gu Mai
Published: August 2007

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells of the pancreas is rare. Histologically it mimics the giant cell tumor of the bone and may be associated with a ductal adenocarcinoma. We recently encountered two such cases, both of which were biopsied by EUS‐guided FNA. Abundant multinucleated osteoclast‐like giant cells and many uniform mononuclear cells were present in case 1 so that the diagnosis was made. In case 2, many mononuclear tumor cells with vacuolated and basophilic cytoplasm were present, and rare osteoclast‐like giant cells were seen. A diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was made. In both cases, no conspicuous nuclear pleomorphism was noted in the mononuclear cells or the multinucleated giant cells. The histology of case 2 revealed a pure undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells. In addition, a liver biopsy revealed globular amyloidosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pancreatic undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells sampled by EUS‐guided FNA and the first case of hepatic globular amyloidosis associated with this tumor. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:601‐606. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of dendritic cell differentiation and function by YopJ of Yersinia pestis
Authors: Lindner Inna , Torrvellas‐Garcia Julie , Kolonias Despina , Carlson Louise M. , Tolba Khaled A. , Plano Gregory V. , Lee Kelvin P.
Published: August 2007

Yersinia pestis evades immune responses in part by injecting into host immune cells several effector proteins called Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) that impair cellular function. This has been best characterized in the innate effector cells, but much less so for cells involved in adaptive immune responses. Dendritic cells (DC) sit at the crossroads between innate and adaptive immunity, and can function to initiate or inhibit adaptive immune responses. Although Y. pestis can target and inactivate DC, the mechanism responsible for this remains unclear. We have found that injection of Y. pestis YopJ into DC progenitors disrupts key signal transduction pathways and interferes with DC differentiation and subsequent function. YopJ injection prevents up‐regulation of the NF‐κB transcription factor Rel B and inhibits MAPK/ERK activation – both having key roles in DC differentiation. Furthermore, YopJ injection prevents costimulatory ligand up‐regulation, LPS‐induced cytokine expression, and yields differentiated DC with diminished capability to induce T cell proliferation and IFN‐γ induction. By modulating DC function through YopJ‐mediated disruption of signaling pathways during progenitor to DC differentiation, Yersinia may interfere with the adaptive responses necessary to clear the infection as well as establish a tolerant immune environment that leads to chronic infection/carrier state in the surviving host.
Tonantzitlolone and other Diterpenes from Stillingia sanguinolenta
Authors: Dräger Gerald , Jeske Frank , Kunst Eike , Lopez Elda G. , Sanchez Humberto V. , Tsichritzis Fotini , Kirschning Andreas , Jakupovic Jasmin
Published: August 2007

Cembrene A (1), two novel diterpenes 2 and 3 with the rare flexibilane skeleton, two new pimaranes 4 and 5, sevenkauranes 6–12 (9 and 12 new), three known atisanes 13–15, a new trachylobane 16, and the new pentacyclic diterpene sanguinolane 17 with a novel skeleton were obtained from Stillingia sanguinolenta. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Ignoring temporal trends in genetic effects substantially reduces power of quantitative trait linkage analysis
Authors: Shi Gang , Rao D.C.
Published: August 2007

Linkage analysis has been one of the most widely used methods for identifying regions of the human genome which contain genes responsible for human diseases. Evidence suggests that the effects of some of the trait causing genes may vary with the age of an individual, giving rise to temporal trends in genetic effects. Linkage analysis routinely tends to ignore such gene‐by‐age interactions. While linkage analysis methods have been proposed for analysis of longitudinal family data for exploring temporal trends, there are no models to characterize such trends nor methods for analysis of cross‐sectional family data. We extend variance component linkage analysis methodology by modeling the variance components due to the quantitative trait locus (QTL) and that due to the polygenic effect to be age dependent. With this model, we investigate the power of linkage analysis in the presence of temporal trends. We show that modeling true temporal trends in QTL effects can substantially increase the power of linkage analysis even when the average locus‐specific heritabilities (when trends are ignored) are quite low, thereby demonstrating that, ignoring the gene‐by‐age interactions, when present, could jeopardize gene discovery. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bile duct destruction by 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane does not block the small hepatocyte-like progenitor cell response in retrorsine-exposed rats
Authors: Best Hunter D. , Coleman William B.
Published: August 2007

Liver regeneration after surgical partial hepatectomy (PH) in retrorsine-exposed rats is accomplished through the outgrowth and expansion of small hepatocyte-like progenitor cells (SHPCs). The cells of origin for SHPCs and their tissue niche have not been identified. Nevertheless, some investigators have suggested that SHPCs may represent an intermediate or transitional cell type between oval cells and mature hepatocytes, rather than a distinct progenitor cell population. We investigated this possibility through the targeted elimination of oval cell proliferation secondary to bile duct destruction in retrorsine-exposed rats treated with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (DAPM). Fischer 344 rats were treated with 2 doses (30 mg/kg body weight) retrorsine (at 6 and 8 weeks of age) followed by PH 5 weeks later. Twenty-four hours before PH, select animals were given a single dose of DAPM (50 mg/kg). Treatment of rats with DAPM produced severe bile duct damage but did not block liver regeneration. Oval cells were never seen in the livers of DAPM-treated retrorsine-exposed rats after PH. Rather, liver regeneration in these rats was mediated by the proliferation of SHPCs, and the cellular response was indistinguishable from that observed in retrorsine-exposed rats after PH. SHPC clusters emerge 1 to 3 days post-PH, expand through 21 days post-PH, with normalization of the liver occurring by the end of the experimental interval.

Conclusion:

These results provide direct evidence that SHPC-mediated liver regeneration does not require oval cell activation or proliferation. In addition, these results provide strong evidence that SHPCs are not the progeny of oval cells but represent a distinct population of liver progenitor cells.
Serum proteomics with SELDI‐TOF‐MS in congenital human cytomegalovirus hepatitis
Authors: Liu Zhijun , Tian Ying , Wang Bin , Yan Zhiyong , Qian Dongmeng , Ding Shouyi , Song Xuxia , Bai Zhiqiang , Li Ling
Published: August 2007

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen, the most common congenital viral infection, and the leading cause of infant hepatitis syndrome. In this study, serum samples were collected from 20 HCMV‐infected infants with hepatitis and 25 controls. Of the 25 infants in the control group, 5 were infected with HCMV but without hepatitis, 10 had hepatitis but no HCMV infection, and 10 were healthy. Proteomic expression in the serum was detected by WCX2 chips and surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF‐MS), to identify serum protein biomarkers in infants with hepatitis syndrome resulting from HCMV. Fifteen protein peaks were distinctly different among the four groups in the mass range from 2,000 to 20,000 Da. Of these 15 peaks, 4 at 4,349.8, 5,808.7, 7,935.6, and 8,885.9 Da were significantly different between the congenital HCMV‐infected infants with hepatitis and the controls. Five peaks were distinctly up‐regulated in the infants with HCMV infection (3,266.8, 5,638.5, 5,909.1, 7,771.4, and 15,835.6 Da) compared to those without HCMV infection. Two proteins at 4,600.1 and 5,704.3 were up‐regulated in infants with HMCV infection but no hepatitis. Four protein peaks were markedly different (7,567.0, 13,744.8, 15,100.7, and 15,915.0 Da) between the infants with hepatitis and the other controls. Comparison of the differentially expressed proteins' properties with those available on an international database suggest that specific serum proteins such as the augmenter of liver regeneration, pre‐albumin, and haptoglobin closely related to liver function, and cytokines such as beta‐defensins 31 and 8, and macrophage‐derived chemokine, among others, are involved in HMCV infection and the pathogenesis of HMCV‐induced hepatitis in infants. J. Med. Virol. 79:1500–1505, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RANKL/OPG/TRAIL plasma levels and bone mass loss evaluation in antiretroviral naive HIV‐1‐positive men
Authors: Gibellini Davide , Borderi Marco , De Crignis Elisa , Cicola Ronny , Vescini Fabio , Caudarella Renata , Chiodo Francesco , Re Maria Carla
Published: August 2007

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are common in HIV‐1‐infected individuals and represent a challenge in clinical and therapeutic management. This report investigated osteopenia/osteoporosis in a group of 31 antiretroviral naive HIV‐1‐positive men and the role of specific molecules belonging to TNF and the TNF‐receptor family in HIV‐1‐related bone mass loss. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), the receptor activator of NF‐κb‐ligand (RANKL), and the TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) were significantly increased in the plasma of antiretroviral naive HIV‐1‐positive patients compared to a control group of healthy blood donors. In addition, TRAIL and RANKL plasma concentrations were positively correlated to HIV‐1‐RNA viral load. Measurement of bone mineral density in 20 out of 31 HIV‐1‐positive subjects disclosed osteopenia/osteoporosis in 40% of these patients. The antiretroviral naive HIV‐1‐positive subjects with low bone mineral density had a decreased plasma OPG/RANKL ratio and a plasma RANKL concentration >500 pg/ml. Together, these data indicate that plasma concentrations of specific factors involved in bone homeostasis were increased during HIV‐1 infection and that RANKL and OPG/RANKL ratio deregulation may be involved in osteopenia/osteoporosis occurring in antiretroviral naive HIV‐1 individuals. J. Med. Virol. 79:1446–1454, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blending Chitosan with Polycaprolactone: Porous Scaffolds and Toxicity
Authors: Sarasam Aparna R. , Samli Afshan I. , Hess Linda , Ihnat Michael A. , Madihally Sundararajan V.
Published: August 2007

The preparation and characterization of porous scaffolds from chitosan‐PCL blends by freeze extraction, freeze gelation and freeze drying is reported. Using freeze extraction, stable structures were obtained only from PCL, but these were not porous. No stable scaffolds were obtained using the freeze gelation process. Stable scaffolds of chitosan/PCL mixtures could not be obtained using 77% acetic acid by any of these techniques. With 25% aqueous acetic acid, stable scaffolds of chitosan/PCL mixtures were obtained by the freeze drying technique. The stability and pore morphology of freeze dried scaffolds were dependent on the relative mass ratio of chitosan and PCL. A chorioallantoic membrane assay showed that formed 3D chitosan/PCL mixtures were not toxic to vasculature.

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Polythiophene‐graft‐Styrene and Polythiophene‐graft‐(Styrene‐graft‐C60) Copolymers
Authors: Chen Xiwen , Gholamkhass Bobak , Han Xu , Vamvounis George , Holdcroft Steven
Published: August 2007

Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) was quantitatively brominated and subsequently used in the Suzuki cross‐coupling with a boronic ester of a nitroxide to form a macroinitiator bearing a TEMPO group on each thienyl ring. This macroinitiator initiated the nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene and 4‐chloromethylstyrene (CMS), and subsequently reacted with C60 to yield soluble graft, rod‐coil polymers. Films of the polymers display a bi‐continuous phase structure as revealed by AFM. Similar polymers, in which only a fraction of the thienyl units boasted C60‐bearing side chains, displayed optical properties representative of extensive π‐delocalization. The potential application of this methodology for the synthesis of graft polymers for photovoltaic devices is discussed.

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Effects of profit‐reducing policies on firm survival, financial performance, and new drug introductions in the research‐based pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Filson Darren , Masia Neal
Published: August 2007

We introduce a computational model of the evolution of a value‐maximizing research‐based pharmaceutical firm and parameterize it using estimates of R&D costs, profit distributions, and candidate attrition rates. We use the model to estimate how the probability of surviving and covering the costs of R&D depends on R&D scale and the policy regime. In the model, even small reductions in profitability have substantial impacts on firm success and innovation, but the effects may not be visible to consumers for many years. Smaller and newer firms are most vulnerable to reductions in the rewards for innovation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new type of magnification system in free microvascular tissue transfer: Varioscope M5
Authors: Chiummariello Stefano , Fioramonti Paolo , Menichini Giulio , Scuderi Nicolò , Alfano Carmine
Published: August 2007

Free microvascular tissue transfers have become today a key instrument for the surgical treatment of wide loss of tissue. These procedures can provide definitive treatment in a single operation but they are expensive and require specialized practitioners. The operating microscope traditionally has provided this requirement; our study is focusing on the prospect of using a new visual system—Varioscope M5—in the reconstructive microsurgery field. Varioscope M5 (Life Optics, Vienna, Austria) has been employed in 21 microvascular anastomoses, where different free flaps were used in head and neck reconstruction. The necessity to operate in a different department, not provided with an operating microscope, brought along the idea of exploring an alternative procedure to classical visualization systems. Specific advantages such as reduced cost, freedom of movement, autofocus, minimal upkeep, a variable range of magnification from 2× to 9× are some of the reasons that convinced the authors to use this new type of magnification system. Increasing interest in microsurgery magnification highlights the need for further technical development in that field. We consider Varioscope M5 a future mean of anastomotic magnification in most free‐tissue transfers with specific characteristics that combine the microscope and loupe philosophies. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Management and functional outcomes of combined injuries of flexor tendons, nerves, and vessels at the wrist
Authors: Noaman Hassan H.
Published: August 2007

A retrospective review of 42 patients with spaghetti wrist lacerations operated on by the author between June 1997 and May 2005 was completed. A total of 31 males and 11 females, average age of 17.1 years (range, 2–40 years), sustained spaghetti wrist injuries. The most frequent mechanisms of injury were accidental glass lacerations (55%), knife wounds (24%), and electrical saw injuries (11%). An average of 9.16 structures was injured, including 6.95 tendons, 1.4 nerves, and 0.8 arteries. The most frequently injured structures were median nerve (83%), flexor digitorum superficialis 2‐4 tendons (81%), flexor digitorum profundus 2‐4 tendons (66%), ulnar nerve and ulnar artery (57%), and flexor pollicis longus (40%). Combined flexor carpi ulnaris, ulnar nerve, and ulnar artery (ulnar triad) injuries occurred in 31%, while combined median nerve, palmaris longus, and flexor carpi radialis injuries (radial triad) occurred in 43%. Simultaneous injuries of both median and ulnar nerves occurred in 40.5%. Simultaneous injuries of both ulnar and radial arteries occurred in 14%. Neither artery was injured in 30.9%. Follow‐up has ranged from 1 to 8 years, with an average of 46 months. Only four patients have been completely lost to follow‐up. Range of motion of all involved digits (tendon function) was excellent in 34 patients, good in 3 patients, and poor in only 1 patient. Opposition was excellent in 31 patients, good in 5 patients, and poor in 2 patients. Intrinsic muscle recovery was subjectively reported to be excellent in 29 patients, good in 7, and fair to poor in 2 patients. Minor deformity (partial clawing) was reported in 4 patients and 1 patient has major deformity (total clawing). Sensory recovery was reported, excellent in 32 patients, good in 5 patients, and fair in only 1 patient. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
A Simplified Model for Prediction of Molecular Weight Distributions in Ethylene‐Hexene Copolymerization Using Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts
Authors: Thompson Duncan E. , McAuley Kim B. , McLellan P. James
Published: August 2007

A simplified steady‐state model has been developed to predict molecular weight distributions and average compositions of ethylene‐hexene copolymers produced using heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta catalysts in gas‐phase reactors. The model uses a simplified reaction scheme to limit the number of parameters that must be estimated. The number of parameters is further reduced by assuming that different types of active sites share common rate constants for some reactions. Estimates of kinetic parameters are obtained using deconvolution analysis of industrial copolymer samples produced using a variety of isothermal steady‐state operating conditions. The parameter estimates should prove useful as initial guesses for future parameter estimation in a non‐isothermal model.

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Growth inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate‐soluble fraction of Cynara cardunculus L. in leukemia cells involves cell cycle arrest, cytochrome c release and activation of caspases
Authors: Nadova S. , Miadokova E. , Mucaji P. , Grancai D. , Cipak L.
Published: August 2007

An extract of artichoke Cynara cardunculus L. (CCE) has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties. In this study, the ability of CCE to inhibit the growth of L1210 and HL‐60 leukemia cells was studied. Treatment of leukemia cells with a variety of concentrations of CCE (500–2500 µg/µL) for 24 h resulted in dose‐dependent inhibition of leukemia cell growth. The cell growth inhibition was accompanied by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and by a loss of cells in S phase. Futhermore, apoptosis detected as a sub‐G0 cell population and apoptotic DNA fragmentation was observed. More detailed analyses of apoptosis induced by CCE in HL‐60 cells revealed that apoptosis progressed through the caspase‐9/‐3 pathway, as release of cytochrome c, caspase‐9/‐3 activations and specific proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase. Taken together, the results suggest that CCE exerts an antiproliferative activity on leukemia cells and induces apoptosis of these cells through a mitochondrial/caspase dependent pathway. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parotid gland involvement, the presenting sign of high grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in two patients with Gaucher disease and sicca syndrome
Authors: Shvidel L. , Sigler E. , Shtalrid M. , Feldberg E. , Berrebi A.
Published: August 2007

Increased risk of haematological malignancies has been described in Gaucher disease patients; however, high‐grade lymphoma has been rarely observed. We report two patients with Gaucher disease and sicca syndrome diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma involving the parotid gland. A 29‐year‐old woman with Gaucher disease developed tumour of the left parotid gland. She reported chronic arthralgias, xerostomia and xerophthalmia. Parotid gland biopsy disclosed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. No lymphadenopathy was found. Bone biopsy revealed focal lymphomatous infiltration consistent with stage IV disease. MACOP‐B chemotherapy regimen (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, methotrexate, bleomycin, vincristine, prednisone) resulted in complete remission for 15 years. A 76‐year‐old patient with Gaucher disease suffered from dry‐mouth feeling. He developed a left parotid gland tumour. CT scan disclosed diffuse lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion and multiple lung nodules. A cervical lymph node biopsy revealed mantle cell lymphoma. Fine‐needle aspiration of the parotid gland showed lymphoma cells. Immunochemotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab resulted in complete remission. Accumulation of the glucocerebroside in Gaucher disease activates macrophages, inducing release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines which may be involved in the pathogenesis of second malignancy. Patients with Gaucher disease bear an increased risk of haematological malignancies; however, aggressive lymphoma has been described only occasionally. In both our patients the presenting sign of lymphoma was tumour of the parotid gland. The patients suffered from sicca syndrome, which increases risk for developing lymphoma. The underlying Gaucher disease and sicca syndrome might be implicated as immunological triggers for lymphoma occurrence and its propensity for the parotid gland in these patients.
Exhaust Emissions from an Engine Fueled with Biodiesel from High‐Oleic Soybeans
Authors: Tat Mustafa E. , Wang Paul S. , Van Gerpen Jon H. , Clemente Thomas E.
Published: August 2007

Biodiesel is a fuel comprising mono‐alkyl esters of medium to long‐chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. Typically, engines operated on soybean‐based biodiesel exhibit higher emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) compared with petroleum diesel. The increase in NOx emissions might be an inherent characteristic of soybean oil's polyunsaturation, because the level of saturation is known to affect the biodiesel's cetane number, which can affect NOx. A feedstock that is mostly monounsaturated (i.e. oleate) helps to balance the tradeoff between cold flow and oxidative stability. Genetic modification has produced a soybean event, designated 335‐13, with a fatty acid profile high in oleic acid (>85%) and with reduced palmitic acid (<4%). This high‐oleic soybean oil was converted to biodiesel and run in a John Deere 4045T 4.5‐L four‐stroke, four‐cylinder, turbocharged direct‐injection diesel engine. The exhaust emissions were compared with those from conventional soybean oil biodiesel and commercial No. 2 diesel fuel. There was a significant reduction in NOx emissions (α = 0.05) using the high‐oleic soybean biodiesel compared with regular soybean oil biodiesel. No significant differences were found between the regular and high‐oleic biodiesel for unburned hydrocarbon and smoke emissions.
Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis
Authors: Cohen Noel L. , Holiday Roy A.
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To better evaluate the patient with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and to develop a diagnostic algorithm for the diagnosis of acoustic neuromas.