bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in laryngeal cancer mortality in Europe
Authors: Bosetti Cristina , Garavello Werner , Levi Fabio , Lucchini Franca , Negri Eva , LaVecchia Carlo
Published: February 2006

After a steady increase since the 1950s, laryngeal cancer mortality had tended to level off since the early 1980s in men from most European countries. To update trends in laryngeal cancer mortality in Europe, age‐standardized (world standard) mortality rates per 100,000 were derived from the WHO mortality database for 33 European countries over the period 1980–2001. Jointpoint analysis was used to identify significant changes in mortality rates. In the European Union (EU) as a whole, male mortality declined by 0.8% per year between 1980 and 1989, by 2.8% between 1989 and 1995, by 5.3% between 1995 and 1998, and by 1.5% thereafter (rates were 5.1/100,000 in 1980–1981 and 3.3/100,000 in 2000–2001). This mainly reflects a decrease in rates in men from western and southern European countries, which had exceedingly high rates in the past. Male laryngeal mortality rose up to the early 1990s, and leveled off thereafter in several countries from central and eastern Europe. In 2000–2001 there was still a 10–15‐fold variation in male laryngeal mortality between the highest rates in Croatia (7.9/100,000) and Hungary (7.7/100,000) and the lowest ones in Sweden (0.5/100,000) and Finland (0.8/100,000). Laryngeal cancer mortality was comparatively low in women from most European countries, with stable rates around 0.3/100,000 in the EU as a whole over the last 2 decades. Laryngeal cancer trends should be interpreted in terms of patterns and changes in exposure to alcohol and tobacco. Despite recent declines, the persistence of a wide variability in male laryngeal cancer mortality indicates that there is still ample scope for prevention of laryngeal cancer in Europe. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus serology and the risk of esophageal and gastric cancers: Results from a cohort in a high‐risk region in China
Authors: Kamangar Farin , Qiao You‐Lin , Schiller John T. , Dawsey Sanford M. , Fears Thomas , Sun Xui‐Di , Abnet Christian C. , Zhao Ping , Taylor Philip R. , Mark Steven D.
Published: February 2006

Each year, esophageal and gastric cancers cause more than 900,000 deaths worldwide. Human papilloma virus (HPV), especially type 16, has been suggested to have a role in the etiology of esophageal cancer, however, the results of previous seroepidemiological studies have not been consistent. We conducted a large prospective study to examine the association between serum antibodies to HPV 16, HPV 18 and HPV 73 and subsequent development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA), and gastric noncardia adenocarcinoma (GNCA) in a high‐risk population for these cancers in Linxian, China. Case and control subjects for this study were selected from the 29,584 participants of the Linxian General Population Trial. Prediagnostic serum samples from 99 cases of ESCC, 100 cases of GCA, 70 cases of GNCA, and 381 age‐ and sex‐ matched controls were selected for this study. The presence of antibodies to HPV virus‐like particles was determined by type‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Fewer than 15% of ESCC, GCA, or GNCA cases were positive for each HPV type, and no significant associations were found. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for HPV 16 seropositivity and ESCC, GCA, and GNCA risk were 1.6 (0.8–3.3), 1.3 (0.6–2.8) and 0.4 (0.1–1.6), respectively. The comparable ORs (95% CIs) for HPV 18 were 1.0 (0.4–2.2), 0.9 (0.4–2.1) and 1.5 (0.6–3.4). For HPV 73, these figures were 1.3 (0.6–2.5), 1.2 (0.6–2.3) and 0.9 (0.4–2.1). The results of this study do not support a major role for HPV 16, HPV 18 and HPV 73 in the etiology of esophageal and gastric cancers in Linxian, China. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of NSAIDs on the recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer
Authors: Grau Maria V. , Baron John A. , Langholz Bryan , Karagas Margaret , Greenberg E. Robert , Stukel Therese A. , Mandel Jack S.
Published: February 2006

Experimental studies have consistently shown a protective effect of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). However, little human epidemiological research has been done in this regard. We used data from the Skin Cancer Chemoprevention Study to explore the association of NSAID use and with the risk of basal‐cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous‐cell carcinoma (SCC). 1,805 subjects with a recent history of NMSC were randomized to placebo or 50 mg of daily β‐carotene. Participants were asked about their use of over‐the‐counter and prescription medications at baseline and every 4 months during the trial. Skin follow‐up examinations were scheduled annually with a study dermatologist; confirmed lesions were the endpoints in the study. We used a risk set approach to the analysis of grouped times survival data and unconditional logistic regression to compute odds ratios [ORs] for various exposures to NSAIDs. The use of NSAIDs was reported in over 50% of questionnaires. For BCC, NSAIDs exhibited a weak protective effect in crude analyses, which attenuated markedly after adjustment. For SCC, the use of NSAIDs in the year previous to diagnosis reduced the odds by almost 30% (adjusted OR= 0.71, 95% CI 0.48–1.04). When we accounted for frequency of use, results for BCC were not striking, and there were inconsistent suggestions of an inverse association with SCC. There were some indications of a modest, nonsignificant reduction on the number of BCCs and SCCs with NSAID use. Our data suggest a weak and inconsistent chemopreventive effect of NSAIDs on BCC and SCC. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cofactors associated with liver disease mortality in an HBsAg‐positive Mediterranean cohort: 20 years of follow‐up
Authors: Ribes Josepa , Clèries Ramon , Rubió Antoni , Hernández Josep Manel , Mazzara Roberto , Madoz Pedro , Casanovas Teresa , Casanova Aurora , Gallen Manel , Rodríguez Carmen , Moreno Victor , Bosch F. Xavier
Published: February 2006

The risk of developing liver cancer in hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers differs across geographical areas, suggesting that exposure to other risk factors may contribute to HBV‐linked cancer risk. Our study estimates the mortality due to liver disease and the role of other risk factors in a Spanish HBV cohort. 2,352 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive and 15,504 HBsAg‐negative subjects were identified among blood donors during 1972–1985 and were followed until December 2000 through the Mortality Registry. Clinical examination and an epidemiological questionnaire were performed on 1,000 HBsAg‐positive survivors during 1994–1996. In subjects deceased from liver disease, medical records were revised and relatives were interviewed. A nested case‐control analysis was conducted comparing both groups. In HBsAg‐positive men, an excess mortality from liver cancer [standardized mortality ratio (SMR): 14.1; 7.7–23.6], cirrhosis (SMR: 10.5; 7.0–15.1), haematological neoplasms (SMR: 3.2; 1.2–6.9) and AIDS was detected (SMR: 5.5; 2.2–11.4). In women, an excess was found for cirrhosis (SMR: 7.2; 1.4–21.1). Progression factors to liver disease were alcohol intake [odds ratio (OR): 6.3; 3.1–12.8], diabetes (OR: 3.6; 1.3–9.6), HBV replication (OR: 50.0; 14.9–167.3) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OR: 27.4; 7.1–107.7). In conclusion, in Spain after 20 years of follow‐up, chronic HBV exposure appears as a major risk factor for liver cancer among men and for cirrhosis in both sexes. The risk of death from liver disease among HBV carriers with the presence of HBV replication, HCV, alcohol consumption and diabetes was significantly increased and suggests synergism among these exposures and HBV. Mortality from haematological neoplasms was detected and could be associated to HIV coinfection. These results support screening and adequate follow‐up among HBsAg‐positive subjects at high risk to develop liver disease, particularly when these risk cofactors are present. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The nurse–family partnership: An evidence‐based preventive intervention
Authors: Olds David L.
Published: February 2006

Pregnancy and the early years of the child's life offer an opportune time to prevent a host of adverse maternal, child, and family outcomes that are important in their own right, but that also reflect biological, behavioral, and social substrates in the child and family that affect family formation and future life trajectories. This article summarizes a 27‐year program of research that has attempted to improve early maternal and child health and future life options with prenatal and infancy home visiting by nurses. The program is designed for low‐income mothers who have had no previous live births. The home‐visiting nurses have three major goals: to improve the outcomes of pregnancy by helping women improve their prenatal health, to improve the child's health and development by helping parents provide more sensitive and competent care of the child, and to improve parental life course by helping parents plan future pregnancies, complete their education, and find work. The program has been tested in three separate large‐scale, randomized controlled trials with different populations living in different contexts. Results from these trials indicate that the program has been successful in achieving two of its most important goals: (a) the improvement of parental care of the child as reflected in fewer injuries and ingestions that may be associated with child abuse and neglect and better infant emotional and language development; and (b) the improvement of maternal life course, reflected in fewer subsequent pregnancies, greater work‐force participation, and reduced dependence on public assistance and food stamps. The impact on pregnancy outcomes is equivocal. In the first trial, the program also produced long‐term effects on the number of arrests, convictions, emergent substance use, and promiscuous sexual activity of 15‐year‐old children whose nurse‐visited mothers were low‐income and unmarried when they registered in the study during pregnancy. In general, the impact of the program was greater on those segments of the population at greater risk for the particular outcome domain under examination. Since 1996, the program has been offered for public investment outside of research contexts. Careful attention has been given to ensuring that organizational and community contexts are favorable for development of the program, to providing excellent training and guidance to the nurses in their use of the program's visit‐by‐visit guidelines, to monitoring the functioning of the program with a comprehensive clinical information system, and to improving the performance of the programs over time with continuous improvement strategies.
Nurse home visiting: Perspectives from nurses
Authors: Zeanah Paula D. , Larrieu Julie A. , Boris Neil W. , Nagle Geoffrey A.
Published: February 2006

Nurses working in the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) program provide intensive home‐visitation services for first‐time, low‐income mothers. The goals are to improve maternal health outcomes, child health and development outcomes, and to enhance maternal life‐course development; however, many of the families face significant psychosocial and mental health issues that can impede progress achieving their goals. Because of the importance of the nurse–client relationship in achieving positive outcomes, these non‐mental‐health nurses must shift their approaches and techniques from a medical to a psychosocial model. In this article, we examine the role of the nurse in the NFP and present results of focus groups with experienced NFP nurses regarding their perspectives, challenges, and rewards in conducting this work.
Assessing mediated models of family change in response to infant home visiting: A two‐phase longitudinal analysis
Authors: Lyons‐Ruth Karlen , Easterbrooks M. Ann
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to assess whether a mediated model of change could account for the long‐term effects of infant home‐visiting services observed at ages 5 and 7 years in a high‐risk cohort. Participants were 41 mothers and infants from low‐income families who were referred to parent–infant home‐visiting services during the first 9 months of life due to concerns about the caretaking environment. Services ended when infants reached 18 months of age. Families received between 0 and 18 of weekly home visits based on infant age of entry into the study. During childhood (ages 5 and 7 years), teachers rated children's behavior problems using standardized instruments. Early home‐visiting services accounted for positive child outcomes at 18 months, 5 years, and 7 years of age; however, earlier positive outcomes related to intervention did not account for intervention‐related effects at later ages. Further inspection of the data revealed that two additional principles, one of escalating morbidity among less intensively served groups and one of generalized family problem‐solving skills, were needed to account for the pattern of effects over time. We conclude that the “domino models” assessed by mediational analyses may be too simple to capture the intervention‐related change processes occurring in high‐risk cohorts over time.
A prevention and promotion intervention program in the field of mother–infant relationship
Authors: Ammaniti Massimo , Speranza Anna Maria , Tambelli Renata , Muscetta Sergio , Lucarelli Loredana , Vismara Laura , Odorisio Flaminia , Cimino Silvia
Published: February 2006

The purpose of the study was to analyze the efficacy of early home‐visiting intervention in enhancing the quality of mother–infant interaction in psychosocial risk and depressive risk mother–infant dyads. Thirty depressive risk, 28 psychosocial risk, and 33 low‐depressed and low‐risk mothers were randomly distributed between the Home Visiting Program and control groups. Attachment (Adult Attachment Interview; Main & Goldwyn, 1997) and maternal representations during pregnancy (Interview of Maternal Representations During Pregnancy; Ammaniti, Candelori, Pola, & Tambelli, 1999) and after the birth of the infant (Interview of Maternal Representations After the Birth; Ammaniti et al., 1999) were evaluated as well as depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale; Radloff, 1977) during the first year. Ratings of sensitivity, interference, affective state of the mother, cooperation, and infant self‐regulation during mother–infant interactions were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results showed the efficacy of the home‐visiting program in improving sensitive maternal behaviors toward the child after 6 months of intervention.
Effects of degradation and porosity on the load bearing properties of model hydroxyapatite bone scaffolds
Authors: Dellinger Jennifer G. , Wojtowicz Abigail M. , Jamison Russell D.
Published: February 2006

Degradation of three types of model hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds was studied after in vitro degradation in a sodium acetate buffer (pH 4). Degradation was evaluated using compression testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, and weight measurements. Scaffolds were fabricated with a solid freeform fabrication (SFF) technique based on the robotic deposition of colloidal pastes. Scaffolds had a macrostructure resembling a lattice of rods. Scaffolds contained either macropores (270 or 680 μm in the x–y direction and 280 μm in the z‐direction) and micropores (1–30‐μm pores and pores <1 μm) or only macropores pores (270 μm in the x–y direction and 280 μm in the z‐direction). A computer‐aided design (CAD) program controlled the size and distribution of macropores; micropores were created by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microsphere porogens (1–30‐μm pore diameter) and controlled sintering (pores <1 μm). Percent weight loss of the scaffolds and calcium and phosphorus ion concentrations in solution increased as the degradation period increased for all scaffold types. After degradation, compressive strength and compressive modulus decreased significantly for those scaffolds with microporosity. For scaffolds without microporosity, the changes in strength and modulus after degradation were not statistically significant. The compressive strength of scaffolds without microporosity was significantly greater than the scaffolds with microporosity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Dissociation of arsenite‐peptide complexes: Triphasic nature, rate constants, half‐lives, and biological importance
Authors: Kitchin Kirk T. , Wallace Kathleen
Published: February 2006

We determined the number and the dissociation rate constants of different complexes formed from arsenite and two peptides containing either one (RVCAVGNDYASGYHYGV for peptide 20) or three cysteines (LECAWQGK CVEGTEHLYSMKCK for peptide 10) via radioactive 73As‐labeled arsenite and vacuum filtration methodology. Nonlinear regression analysis of the dissociation of both arsenite‐peptide complexes showed that triphasic fits gave excellent r2 values (0.9859 for peptide 20 and 0.9890 for peptide 10). The first phase of arsenite‐peptide dissociation had the largest span (decrease in binding), and the rate was too fast to be measured using vacuum filtration methods. The dissociation rate constants of arsenite‐peptide complexes for the second phase were 0.35 and 0.54 min−1 and for the third phase were 0.0071 and 0.0045 min−1 for peptides 20 and 10, respectively. For peptide 20, the three spans of triphasic decay were 85%, 9%, and 7% of the total binding of 16.1 nmolsol;mg protein. For peptide 10, which can bind in both an intermolecular and intramolecular manner, the three spans of triphasic decay were 59%, 16%, and 25% of the total binding of 43.7 nmolsol;mg protein. Binding of trivalent arsenicals to peptides and proteins can alter their structure and function and contribute to adverse health outcomes such as toxicity and carcinogenicity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. *

This article is a U.S. Government work and, as such, is in the public domain of the United States of America.

J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:48–56, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20108
Glutathione‐enhancing agents protect against steatohepatitis in a dietary model
Authors: Oz Helieh S. , Im Hee‐Jeong , Chen Theresa S. , de Villiers Willem J. S. , McClain Craig J.
Published: February 2006

Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and steatohepatitis (NASH) may accompany obesity, diabetes, parenteral nutrition, jejeuno‐ileal bypass, and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Currently there is no FDA approved and effective therapy available. We investigated the potential efficacy of those agents that stimulate glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis on the development of experimental steatohepatitis. Rats fed (ad libitum) amino acid based methionine‐choline deficient (MCD) diet were further gavaged with (1) vehicle (MCD), (2)S‐adenosylmethionine (SAMe), or (3) 2(RS)‐n‐propylthiazolidine‐4(R)‐carboxylic acid (PTCA). Results: MCD diet significantly reduced hematocrit, and this abnormality improved in the treated groups (p< 0.01). Serum transaminases were considerably elevated (AST: 5.8‐fold; ALT: 3.22‐fold) in MCD rats. However, administration of GSH‐enhancing agents significantly suppressed these abnormal enzyme activities. MCD rats developed severe liver pathology manifested by fatty degeneration, inflammation, and necrosis, which significantly improved with therapy. Blood levels of GSH were significantly depleted in MCD rats but normalized in the treated groups. Finally, RT‐PCR measurements showed a significant upregulation of genes involved in tissue remodeling and fibrosis (matrix metalloproteinases, collagen‐α1), suppressor of cytokines signaling1, and the inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β) in the livers of rats fed MCD. GSH‐enhancing therapies significantly attenuated the expression of deleterious proinflammatory and fibrogenic genes in this dietary model. This is the first report that oral administration of SAMe and PTCA provide protection against liver injury in this model and suggests therapeutic applications of these compounds in NASH patients. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:39–47, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20109
Arsenite binding to synthetic peptides: The effect of increasing length between two cysteines
Authors: Kitchin Kirk T. , Wallace Kathleen
Published: February 2006

We utilized radioactive 73As‐labeled arsenite and vacuum filtration methodology to determine the binding affinity of arsenite to eight synthetic peptides ranging from 13 to 24 amino acids long and containing one or two cysteines separated by 0–17 intervening amino acids. Six of the eight peptides were highly similar in amino acid sequence and were based on cysteine containing regions of the hormone‐binding site of the human estrogen receptor‐alpha (e.g., the sequence of peptide 28 is LEGAWCGKGVEGTEHLYSMKCKNV). The peptides with 0–14 intervening amino acids between two cysteines bound arsenite with Kd values of 2.7–20.1 uM and with Bmax values from 36 to 103 nmol/mg protein (from 0.083 to 0.19 nmol/nmol of protein). Thus, increasing the number of intervening amino acids from 0 to 14 made very little difference in the observed Kd values for arsenite, a surprising finding. Therefore, these peptides are flexible in solution and effectively contain a dithiol high affinity binding site for arsenite. Peptide 17 with two C separated by 19 amino acids bound arsenite with a Kd of 123 uM and a Bmax of 41.8 nmol/mg. The monothiol peptide 19 bound arsenite with a Kd of 124 uM and a Bmax of 26 nmol/mg protein. All experi‐ mental binding curves fit well to a one site binding model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. *

This article is a U.S. Government work and, as such, is in the public domain of the United States of America.

J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:35–38, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20112
Metabolic effects of p‐coumaric acid in the perfused rat liver
Authors: Lima Leonardo C.N. , Buss Gisele D. , Ishii‐Iwamoto Emy L. , Salgueiro‐Pagadigorria Clairce , Comar Jurandir Fernando , Bracht Adelar , Constantin Jorgete
Published: February 2006

The p‐coumaric acid, a phenolic acid, occurs in several plant species and, consequently, in many foods and beverages of vegetable origin. Its antioxidant activity is well documented, but there is also a single report about an inhibitory action on the monocarboxylate carrier, which operates in the plasma and mitochondrial membranes. The latter observation suggests that p‐coumaric acid could be able to inhibit gluconeogenesis and related parameters. The present investigation was planned to test this hypothesis in the isolated and hemoglobin‐free perfused rat liver. Transformation of lactate and alanine into glucose (gluconeogenesis) in the liver was inhibited by p‐coumaric acid (IC50 values of 92.5 and 75.6 μM, respectively). Transformation of fructose into glucose was inhibited to a considerably lower degree (maximally 28%). The oxygen uptake increase accompanying gluconeogenesis from lactate was also inhibited. Pyruvate carboxylation in isolated intact mitochondria was inhibited (IC50 = 160.1 μM); no such effect was observed in freeze–thawing disrupted mitochondria. Glucose 6‐phosphatase and fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase were not inhibited. In isolated intact mitochondria, p‐coumaric acid inhibited respiration dependent on pyruvate oxidation but was ineffective on respiration driven by succinate and β‐hydroxybutyrate. It can be concluded that inhibition of pyruvate transport into the mitochondria is the most prominent primary effect of p‐coumaric acid and also the main cause for gluconeogenesis inhibition. The existence of additional actions of p‐coumaric acid, such as enzyme inhibitions and interference with regulatory mechanisms, cannot be excluded. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:18–26, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20114
Pilot‐scale demonstration of pre‐fermentation for enhancement of food‐processing wastewater biodegradability
Authors: Xu Zhongda , Nakhla George
Published: February 2006

A pilot‐scale anaerobic/aerobic ultrafiltration system was tested to treat high‐strength tomato‐processing wastewater, to achieve stringent dry‐ditch discharge criteria of soluble biochemical oxygen demand (SBOD) <10 mg dm−3, total suspended solids <10 mg dm−3, ammonia nitrogen <3 mg dm−3 and soluble phosphorus <0.5 mg dm−3. The anaerobic/aerobic system achieved 99.4% SBOD removal, 91.9% NH3 N removal and 100% phosphorus removal at an overall hydraulic retention time of 1.5 days and solids retention time of 5 days during the tomato canning season. Respirometric studies confirmed that the pretreatment of tomato‐processing wastewater in the anaerobic reactor increased the readily biodegradable fraction, improved kinetics, and eliminated nutrient deficiency problem. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of high‐quality chitin and chitosan from preconditioned shrimp shells
Authors: Toan Nguyen Van , Ng Chuen‐How , Aye Kyaw Nyein , Trang Trung Si , Stevens Willem F.
Published: February 2006

Chitin and chitosan with improved characteristics were produced from shrimp shell waste preconditioned by limited decay or by treatment with 0.016 mol L−1 benzoic acid. Preconditioned shrimp shells were transparent, had a clean surface and were susceptible to demineralization and deproteinization using 0.68 mol L−1 HCl and 0.62 mol L−1 NaOH, respectively. The ash and protein residues in the final chitosan were about 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively, the viscosity was up to 7000 cps, and the solubility and transparency nearly 100%. In comparison with treatment at ambient temperature (30 °C) without preconditioning, the chemical consumption, the duration of the treatment, ash and protein residues was reduced to 75–25%, whereas viscosity and absence of insolubles improved by a factor of 2–3. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphology of the lower jaw and suspensorium in the Texas blindsnake, Leptotyphlops dulcis (Scolecophidia: Leptotyphlopidae)
Authors: Kley Nathan J.
Published: February 2006

Slender blindsnakes (Leptotyphlopidae) are known to use a unique feeding mechanism that involves rapid flexions of the tooth‐bearing lower jaw. However, the morphology of the leptotyphlopid jaw apparatus has remained poorly studied due to the extremely small size of these snakes. Here I present a detailed description of the bones, cartilages, and ligaments of the lower jaw and suspensorium in a representative leptotyphlopid, Leptotyphlops dulcis, based on microanatomical studies of nearly 30 specimens prepared and examined in a variety of ways. The leptotyphlopid mandible is found to exhibit a complex mixture of symplesiomorphies shared with nonophidian squamates (“lizards”), synapomorphies shared with other snakes, and autapomorphies unique to Leptotyphlopidae. Most autapomorphies are functional correlates of the mandibular raking mechanism used by Leptotyphlops, primarily involving specializations of the intramandibular joint and the linkage between the suspensorium and the skull. Most notably, the quadrates are suspended via sliding articulations with the stapedes and do not articulate directly with the braincase. Posterior translation of the suspensorium at this loose, sliding articulation during jaw retraction may account for approximately one‐third of the distance that prey are transported during each cycle of jaw flexion. This primary quadratostapedial articulation is believed to be unique among gnathostomes. Several anatomical features of the jaw apparatus suggest that Leptotyphlops evolved from more typical snake‐like ancestors that: 1) had already lost the firm symphysis between the distal tips of the mandibular rami; and 2) had already evolved a high degree of upper jaw mobility. J. Morphol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An investigation on the possible role of melatonin in melanogenesis
Authors: Rizzi Andrea , Comai Stefano , Bertazzo Antonella , Costa Carlo V. L. , Allegri Graziella , Traldi Pietro
Published: February 2006

The possible role of melatonin in melanogenesis was investigated by performing reactions of melatonin with peroxidase + H2O2 or H2O2 only, in the presence or absence of UV irradiation. Samples of the reaction mixtures were drawn at different times (from 15 to 480 min), the enzyme (when present) was removed by ultrafiltration and the samples so obtained were analyzed by MALDI/MS.

The results show that melatonin undergoes oligomerization reaction with peroxidase + H2O2, leading to heptameric species. For high reaction times the MALDI/MS data do not show the formation of larger oligomers, but UV–vis spectroscopy indicates that the oligomerization processes proceed. The failure of MALDI‐TOF in the identification of larger oligomers was related to the chemical–physical and morphological behavior of melanins.

In the case of UV irradiation, the formation of species originating from the O‐ and O2 addition to melatonin, which activate new oligomerization channels, has been observed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of cation adduction on the separation characteristics of flavonoid diglycoside isomers using dual gate‐ion mobility‐quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Clowers Brian H. , Hill Herbert H.
Published: February 2006

An electrospray ionization‐dual gate‐ion mobility‐quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer was used to evaluate the separation characteristics of isomeric flavonoid diglycosides adducted with sodium, potassium, and silver. This instrumental configuration allows ions to be selectively accumulated within the ion trap on the basis of their gas phase conformation prior to mass analysis. For the metal cations examined, silver produced the most compact adducts with flavonoid diglycosides. Listed in order of increasing size, the trend of flavonoid diglycoside ion‐neutral cross sections adducted with Na+, K+, and Ag+ was narirutin < naringin < hesperidin < neohesperidin < rutin. To examine the separation contribution of the carbohydrate group, hesperetin, the aglycone of hesperidin, and neohesperin were compared to quercetin, the aglycone of rutin. Separation of the flavonoid diglycosides indicated that quercetin‐derived diglycosides drifted longer than their hesperetin‐derived isomers. Combined with the observed collision assisted dissociation (CAD) data, these findings suggest that carbohydrate moiety plays a significant role in both the separation and metal chelating characteristics of flavonoid diglycosides. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival and migration of human and rat olfactory ensheathing cells in intact and injured spinal cord
Authors: Deng Chao , Gorrie Catherine , Hayward Ian , Elston Bryan , Venn Melinda , Mackay‐Sim Alan , Waite Phil
Published: February 2006

Increasing evidence indicates the potential of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) for treating spinal cord injuries. The present study compared proliferation and migration of adult rat and human OECs transplanted into the spinal cord of athymic (immunodeficient) rats. OECs were purified from the nasal lamina propria and prelabeled with a cytoplasmic dye. After OEC injection into the thoracic spinal cord, animals were perfused 4 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days later. Both rat and human OECs showed similar migration. Cells were seen leaving the injection site after 4 hr, and by 7 days both rat and human OECs had migrated approximately 1 mm rostrally and caudally within the cord (rat: 1,400 ± 241 μm rostral, 1,134 ± 262 μm caudal, n = 5; human: 1,337 ± 192 μm rostral, 1,205 ± 148 μm caudal, n = 6). Proliferation of transplanted OECs was evident at 4 hr, but most had ceased dividing by 24 hr. In 10 animals, the spinal cord was injured by a contralateral hemisection made 5 mm rostral to the transplantation site at the time of OEC transplantation. After 7 days, macrophages were numerous both around the injury and at the transplantation site. In the injured cord, rat and human OECs migrated for shorter distances, in both rostral and caudal directions (rat: 762 ± 118 μm rostral, 554 ± 142 μm caudal, n = 4; human: 430 ± 55 μm rostral, 399 ± 161 μm caudal, n = 3). The results show that rat and human OECs rapidly stop dividing after transplantation and have a similar ability to survive and migrate within the spinal cord of immunocompromised hosts. OECs migrated less in animals with a concomitant contralateral hemisection. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental and kinetic study of shock initiated ignition in homogeneous methane–hydrogen–air mixtures at engine‐relevant conditions
Authors: Huang J. , Bushe W. K. , Hill P. G. , Munshi S. R.
Published: February 2006

The ignition delay time of two stoichiometric methane/hydrogen/air mixtures has been measured in a shock tube facility at pressures from 16 to 40 atm and temperatures from 1000 to 1300 K. Overall, the observed reduction in ignition delay with some methane replaced by hydrogen is relatively small given the large concentration of hydrogen involved in the current study. With a high hydrogen mole fraction (35% of the total fuel), a reduction of the ignition‐promoting effect was observed with reduced temperature. A detailed chemical kinetic mechanism was used to simulate ignitions of test mixtures behind reflected shocks. An analysis of the mechanism indicates that at higher temperatures, the rapid decomposition of hydrogen molecules leads to a quick formation of H radical pools, which promote the chain branching through H + O2 ⇌ O + OH. At lower temperatures, the branching efficiency of hydrogen is low; a weak effect of hydrogen on methane ignition could be result from the reaction between H2 and methylperoxy CH3O2, which contributes extra H radicals to the reaction system. The effects of hydrogen also decrease with increasing pressure; this is related to the negative pressure dependence of hydrogen at the second ignition limit. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 221–233, 2006
Clinical outcomes from hepatic artery stenting in liver transplantation
Authors: Ueno Takehisa , Jones Greg , Martin Adrian , Ikegami Toru , Sanchez Edmund Q. , Chinnakotla Srinath , Randall Henry B. , Levy Marlon F. , Goldstein Robert M. , Klintmalm Goran B.
Published: February 2006

Hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplantation may affect liver function and result in hepatic artery thrombosis. Surgical reconstruction has been the first choice for treatment. Interventional radiologic technique can be used, but there is no report on long-term outcome. The aim of this paper is to assess current outcome and complications of hepatic artery stenting. Twenty-six adult patients were stented for hepatic artery stenosis between 1998 and 2003. Nine patients had previous surgical reconstruction for hepatic artery stenosis. Seventeen patients suffered newly developed hepatic artery stenosis. Three patients were retransplanted. After stenting, the patients were followed by Doppler ultrasound at day 1, 1 month, and 6 months. Angiography was scheduled in 6 months. Four patients died within 2 months. The other 22 patients were followed for mean 31 ± 14 months (8–71 months). One of 22 patients died from renal failure 2 years later. Twelve patients’ hepatic arteries looked normal after stenting. Restenosis was seen in 8 patients (36%). Other complications were artery thrombosis (n = 1) and long segment stricture (n = 1). In 2 patients (25%) restenosis resulted in thrombosis. Six of the 8 patients who developed recurrent stenosis were successfully treated interventionally: restent (n = 5) and balloon dilation (n = 3). However, 3 patients (38%) restenosed. Kaplan-Meier complication-free survival was 54% at 1 year after stenting. In conclusion, hepatic artery stenting is a viable treatment for hepatic artery stenosis with reasonable results. Stenting is useful as adjuvant treatment after surgical revision.
Characterization of human liver dendritic cells in liver grafts and perfusates
Authors: Bosma Brenda M. , Metselaar Herold J. , Mancham Shanta , Boor Partrick P.C. , Kusters Johannes G. , Kazemier Geert , Tilanus Hugo W. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Kwekkeboom Jaap
Published: February 2006

It is generally accepted that donor myeloid dendritic cells (MDC) are the main instigators of acute rejection after organ transplantation. The aim of the present study was to characterize MDC in human donor livers using liver grafts and perfusates as a source. Perfusates were collected during ex vivo vascular perfusion of liver grafts pretransplantation. MDC, visualized in wedge biopsies by immunohistochemistry with anti-BDCA-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), were predominantly observed in the portal fields. Liver MDC, isolated from liver wedge biopsies, had an immature phenotype with a low expression of CD80 and CD83. Perfusates were collected from 20 grafts; perfusate mononuclear cells (MNC) contained 1.5% (range, 0.3–6.6%) MDC with a viability of 97 ± 2%. Perfusates were a rich source of hepatic MDC since 0.9 × 106 (range, 0.11–4.5 × 106) MDC detached from donor livers during vascular perfusion pretransplantation. Perfusate MDC were used to further characterize hepatic MDC. Perfusate MDC expressed less DC-LAMP (P = 0.000), CD80 (P = 0.000), CD86 (P = 0.003), and CCR7 (P = 0.014) than mature hepatic lymph node (LN) MDC, and similar CD86 (P = 0.140) and CCR7 (P = 0.262) as and more DC-LAMP (P = 0.007) and CD80 (P = 0.002) than immature blood MDC. Perfusate MDC differed from blood MDC in producing significantly higher amounts of interleukin (IL)-10 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and in being able to stimulate allogeneic T-cell proliferation. In conclusion, human donor livers contain exclusively immature MDC that detach in high numbers from the liver graft during pretransplantation perfusion. These viable MDC have the capacity to stimulate allogeneic T-cells, and thus may represent a major player in the induction of acute rejection.
Successful adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation in a patient with moderate to severe portopulmonary hypertension
Authors: Uchiyama Hideaki , Soejima Yuji , Taketomi Akinobu , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Harada Noboru , Ijichi Hideki , Yonemura Yusuke , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: February 2006

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is one of the most devastating consequences of end-stage liver cirrhosis. When a patient has moderate to severe PPHTN, his or her candidature for liver transplantation is denied. Here we report a successful adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in a patient with moderate to severe PPHTN. The patient was a 58-yr-old female who was diagnosed with end-stage liver cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C. Preoperative evaluation revealed that the patient had moderate to severe PPHTN. Her mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 35–47 mmHg without treatment. Continuous epoprostenol therapy was introduced to lower the mPAP. She underwent LDLT using an extended right hepatic lobe graft which was donated by her daughter. Prolonged artificial ventilation was necessary until postoperative day (POD) 25, after which her general condition gradually improved. By POD 72, she was in good condition and was allowed to leave the hospital. Currently, 1 yr after the operation, she visits the outpatient clinic regularly and enjoys a normal life. It should be noted, however, that the PPHTN markedly improved but did not completely resolve, as assessed by right heart catheterization 1 yr after successful LDLT.
Liver transplantation for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine cancers: Defining selection criteria to improve survival
Authors: van Vilsteren Frederike G.I. , Baskin-Bey Edwina S. , Nagorney David M. , Sanderson Schuyler O. , Kremers Walter K. , Rosen Charles B. , Gores Gregory J. , Hobday Timothy J.
Published: February 2006

Liver transplantation for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine cancer (GEP) is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess patient outcomes after liver transplantation for hepatic metastases from GEP. Medical records of patients who underwent liver transplantation for GEP were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry for assessing the Ki67 proliferation index was performed on explanted liver tissue. Nineteen patients who underwent liver transplantation had a mean follow-up of 22 months with a range of 0 to 84 months. There was 1 intraoperative death, and 3 patients had disease recurrence after liver transplantation leading to death in 1 patient. Overall estimated 1-year survival for 17 patients included in the treatment protocol (mean follow-up, 15 months) was 87% with an estimated 1-year recurrence-free rate (conditional on survival) of 77%. Three of 11 patients with pancreatic islet cell GEP developed disease recurrence, whereas all 8 patients with carcinoid GEP remain free of disease. Analysis of the Ki67 proliferation index in 18 patients did not differentiate those with recurrence from those without disease recurrence. In conclusion, liver transplantation for patients with hepatic metastases from GEP is a viable therapeutic option in highly selected patients.
The pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) model as a predictor of survival benefit and posttransplant survival in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Barshes Neal R. , Lee Timothy C. , Udell Ian W. , O'Mahoney Christine A. , Karpen Saul J. , Carter Beth A. , Goss John A.
Published: February 2006

The pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) model accurately estimates 90-day waitlist mortality for pediatric liver transplant candidates, but it has been unclear if PELD can identify patients who will derive survival benefit from undergoing liver transplantation (LT), if it correlates with posttransplant survival, or if it can identify patients for whom LT would be futile. Pediatric patients who underwent LT between 2001 and 2004 were enrolled through the United Network for Organ Sharing Organ Procurement and Transplant Network database. Survival benefit was measured in terms of life-years gained during the first year after LT. Complete data were available for 1,247 patients: 53% were listed as Status 1 at the time of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), while the remaining 47% had PELD scores. Only in patients with a PELD of 17+ or those designated as United Network for Organ Sharing Status 1 derived a survival benefit within 1 year of LT; patients with a PELD score of ≤16 did not. In addition, a statistically significant association was seen between 1-year post-OLT survival and PELD at LT (P = 0.03). No “threshold” PELD score, beyond which risk of post-LT mortality increased dramatically, was apparent. In conclusion, pediatric patients with a PELD score of 17+ derive survival benefit early after LT, and increasing PELD scores are associated with increasing transplant benefit after liver transplantation. PELD does correlate with posttransplant survival but should not be used as a marker for futility.
The immunological monitoring of alloreactive responses in liver transplant recipients: A review
Authors: Reding Raymond , Gras Jérémie , Truong Dinh Quang , Wieërs Grégoire , Latinne Dominique
Published: February 2006

The aim of this work is to review the current knowledge in the field of immunological monitoring of allogenic responsiveness in clinical liver transplantation. When compared to other solid-organ transplants, liver allografts are considered as immunologically privileged, and, accordingly, constitute a favorable setting to develop experimental as well as clinical strategies for minimization of immunosuppression and even induction of operational tolerance. The validation of simple, reliable, noninvasive assays exploring antidonor alloreactivity will constitute a crucial step toward implementing such approaches in the clinic. In contrast to research in rodents claiming the development of donor-specific tolerance in case of graft survivals of over 100 days without immunosuppression, it is impractical to confirm tolerance induction in this way in humans. Promising candidate assays include the detection of post-transplant immune deviation, of circulating precursors of dendritic cells subtypes, and of regulatory T cells. A conceptual framework for the development of tolerance assays in clinical liver transplantation is also proposed.
Predicting Posttransplantation Infection Risk With Gene Polymorphisms
Authors: Perkins James D.
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background & Aims:

Infection is the primary cause of death after liver transplantation. Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a recognition molecule of the lectin pathway of complement and a key component of innate immunity. MBL variant alleles have been described in the coding region of the MBL gene, which are associated with low MBL serum concentration and impaired MBL structure and function. The aims of our study were to establish the role of the liver in production of serum MBL and to evaluate the effect of MBL variant alleles on the susceptibility to infection after liver transplantation.

Methods:

We investigated 49 patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. MBL exon 1 and promoter polymorphisms were determined in patients and in liver donors. MBL serum concentration was determined before and during 1 year after transplantation. The incidence of clinically significant infections during this period was assessed.

Results:

Transplantation of MBL wildtype recipients with donor livers carrying MBL variant alleles resulted in a rapid and pronounced decrease of serum MBL levels. This serum conversion was associated with the disappearance of high molecular weight MBL. No indication for extrahepatic production of serum MBL could be obtained. The presence of MBL variant alleles in the MBL gene of the donor liver, but not in the recipient, was associated with a strongly increased incidence of clinically significant infections after transplantation.

Conclusions:

Serum MBL is produced by the liver under strong genetic control. After liver transplantation, the MBL genotype of the donor liver is a major risk determinant for life-threatening infections.
Split and whole liver transplantation outcomes: A comparative cohort study
Authors: Cardillo Massimo , De Fazio Nicola , Pedotti Paola , De Feo Tullia , Fassati Luigi Rainero , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Colledan Michele , Gridelli Bruno , Caccamo Lucio , DeCarlis Luciano , Valente Umberto , Andorno Enzo , Cossolini Mariangelo , Martini Cristiano , Antonucci Adelmo , Cillo Umberto , Zanus Giacomo , Baccarani Umberto , Scalamogna Mario
Published: February 2006

A specific split liver transplantation (SLT) program has been pursued in the North Italian Transplant program (NITp) since November 1997. After 5 yr, 1,449 liver transplants were performed in 7 transplant centers, using 1,304 cadaveric donors. Whole liver transplantation (WLT) and SLT were performed in 1,126 and 323 cases, respectively. SLTs were performed in situ as 147 left lateral segments (LLS), 154 right trisegment liver (RTL) grafts, and 22 modified split livers (MSL), used for couples of adult recipients. After a median posttransplant follow-up of 22 months, SLTs achieved a 3-yr patient and graft survival not significantly different from the entire series of transplants (79.4 and 72.2% vs. 80.6 and 74.9%, respectively). Recipients receiving a WLT or a LLS showed significantly better outcomes than patients receiving RTL and MSL (P < 0.03 for patients and P < 0.04 for graft survival). At the multivariate analysis, donor age of >60 yr, RTL transplant, <50 annual transplants volume, urgent transplantation (United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status I and IIA), ischemia time of >7 hours, and retransplantation were factors independently related to graft failure and to significantly worst patient survival. Right grafts procured from RTL and either split procured as MSL had a similar outcome of marginal whole livers. In conclusion, in 5 yr, the increased number of pediatric transplants due to split liver donation reduced to 3% the in-list children mortality, and a decrease in the adult patient dropout rate from 27.2 to 16.2% was observed. Such results justify a more widespread adoption of SLT protocols, organizational difficulties not being a limit for the application of such technique.