bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The continual presence of C3d but not IgG glomerular capillary deposition in stage I idiopathic membranous nephropathy in patients receiving corticosteroid treatment
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zheng Zhi-yong , Lin Jian-song , Qu Li-juan , Zheng Feng
Published: August 2012

Background

Pathologic diagnosis of stage I idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN-I) requires electron microscopy or immunohistochemistry that shows a glomerular capillary staining pattern of IgG and C3. However, it is not uncommon that renal biopsy did not obtain sufficient material for electron microscopy and that IgG and C3 staining in glomeruli largely lost at biopsy due to corticosteroid treatment. Since C3d is one of the final degradation products of C3 that is more stable in vivo, we determine if C3d staining could be used as a novel immunohistochemical marker for MN-I.

Methods and results

74 MN-I patients with electron microscopy proven MN-I were examined by immunoperoxidase staining of C3d. Intensive C3d staining was present in glomerular capillary like the staining pattern of IgG and C3 in MN-I. Importantly, in 40 MN-I patients who underwent corticosteroid treatment at biopsy the intensity and glomerular capillary pattern of C3d staining remained largely intact while the staining for IgG had substantially reduced and the pattern of glomerular capillary staining became unrecognizable.

Conclusions

C3d glomerular capillary staining may be a novel marker for pathologic diagnosis of MN-I that is continuously present at biopsy in patient who has received corticosteroid treatment.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2120780075734479
Primary central nervous system angiosarcoma: two case reports
Authors: Hackney James R , Palmer Cheryl Ann , Riley Kristen O , Cure Joel K , Fathallah-Shaykh Hassan M , Nabors Louis B
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Primary angiosarcoma of the brain is extremely rare; only 15 cases have been reported in adults over the last 25 years.

Case presentations

We describe two cases of primary angiosarcoma of the brain that are well characterized by imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Case 1: our first patient was a 35-year-old woman who developed exophthalmos. Subtotal resection of a left extra-axial retro-orbital mass was performed. Case 2: our second patient was a 47-year-old man who presented to our facility with acute visual loss, word-finding difficulty and subtle memory loss. A heterogeneously-enhancing left sphenoid wing mass was removed. We also review the literature aiming at developing a rational approach to diagnosis and treatment, given the rarity of this entity.

Conclusions

Gross total resection is the standard of care for primary angiosarcoma of the brain. Adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy are playing increasingly recognized roles in the therapy of these rare tumors.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the synovium discovered in total knee arthroplasty: a case report
Authors: Visser Jetze , Busch Vincent JJF , de Kievit-van der Heijden Ineke M , ten Ham Arno M
Published: August 2012

Background

Musculoskeletal involvement occurs in 25% of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Primary lymphoma in the joint is rare. It can present as a bone lesion or as atypical soft tissue proliferation. NHL has an increased incidence in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Case presentation

We present a case in which non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was found coincidentally in the synovium during knee joint replacement surgery in a 69-year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis. Pigmented, vitreous tissue was resected, which turned out to be a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after histological examination. The coincidental intraoperative finding of intra-articular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was reported twice before, presenting as synovial proliferation in elbow and shoulder surgery. In a few other cases non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presented most often in the knee, as a bone lesion or, when soft tissue was involved, as arthritis.

Conclusion

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma should be considered in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In case of persistent arthritis, non-respondent to anti-inflammatory drugs, a biopsy might be warranted. Moreover, when arthroscopy or arthrotomy is planned, any atypical tissue should be sent for histological analysis. Early diagnosis of NHL can contribute to improved outcome of its rapidly developing treatment options.
Decreased expression of LATS1 is correlated with the progression and prognosis of glioma
Authors: Ji Tianhai , Liu Dan , Shao Wei , Yang Wensheng , Wu Haiqiao , Bian Xiuwu
Published: August 2012

Background

LATS1 is a tumor suppressor genes implicated in the pathogenesis of certain types of tumors, but its role is not known in human glioma.

Methods

Using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, we detected the mRNA and protein expression of LATS1 in glioma. The effect of LATS1 on cell growth and invasion were investigated.

Results

We found that mRNA and protein of LATS1 expression is significantly downregulated in glioma compared with normal control brain tissues. Furthermore, reduced LATS1 expression was markedly negatively correlated with WHO grade and KPS (p<0.001 and p<0.001) in glioma patients. Patients with lower LATS1 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival time than did patients with higher LATS1 expression. Multivariate analysis suggested that the level of LATS1 expression was an independent prognostic indicator (p<0.001) for the survival of patients with glioma. Forced expression of LATS1 in glioma U251 cells not only significantly suppressed cell growth, migration and invasion, but retarded cell cycle progression from G2/M to G1 in vitro. Finally, we found that overexpressed LATS1 markedly inhibited the expression level of cell cycle factor CCNA1.

Conclusion

These results indicate that LATS1 is an important candidate tumor suppressor and its downregulated expression may contribute to glioma progression.
High preoperative blood levels of HE4 predicts poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Kalapotharakos Grigorios , Asciutto Christine , Henic Emir , Casslén Bertil , Borgfeldt Christer
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical value of preoperative blood levels of HE4 as a predictor of overall survival in patients with ovarian cancer and to validate previous data of HE4 and the ROMA algorithm including HE4 and CA125 in discriminating benign and malignant ovarian tumors.

Experimental design

The preoperative plasma levels of HE4 and CA125 were analyzed with ELISA in 312 patients with adnexal lesions. Tumors were classified as benign (n= 206), borderline (i.e. low malignant potential tumors) (n= 25), and well (n= 14), moderately (n= 15), and poorly (n= 51) differentiated malignant.

Results

In univariate Cox regression analyses high levels (dichotomized at the median) of HE4, CA125, increased age (continuous variable), advanced-stage of disease 2–4, histological grade 3 and non-optimal tumor debulking at primary surgery were all significantly associated with shorter overall survival. A multivariate Cox regression model including pre-operative available covariates HE4 and CA125 both dichotomized at median in addition to age as continuous variable showed that high levels of HE4 was an independent prognostic marker for worse prognosis HR 2.02 (95% CI 1.1-3.8). In postmenopausal women the ROMA algorithm gave the highest AUC of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97) which was higher than the separate markers HE4 AUC 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.95) and CA125 AUC 0.91(95% CI 0.87-0.96).

Conclusions

High concentration of plasma HE4 is an independent preoperative marker of poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. The algorithm ROMA discriminates in postmenopausal women between malignant and benign tumors with an AUC of 0.94.
Rhinovirus‐induced basic fibroblast growth factor release mediates airway remodeling features
Authors: Skevaki Chrysanthi L , Psarras Stelios , Volonaki Eleni , Pratsinis Harris , Spyridaki Irini S , Gaga Mina , Georgiou Vassiliki , Vittorakis Stylianos , Telcian Aurica G , Maggina Paraskevi , Kletsas Dimitris , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Johnston Sebastian L , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G
Published: August 2012

Background

Human rhinoviruses, major precipitants of asthma exacerbations, induce lower airway inflammation and mediate angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility that rhinoviruses may also contribute to the fibrotic component of airway remodeling.

Methods

Levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA and protein were measured following rhinovirus infection of bronchial epithelial cells. The profibrotic effect of epithelial products was assessed by DNA synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase activity assays. Moreover, epithelial cells were exposed to supernatants from cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells, obtained from healthy donors or atopic asthmatic subjects and subsequently infected by rhinovirus and bFGF release was estimated. bFGF was also measured in respiratory secretions from atopic asthmatic patients before and during rhinovirus‐induced asthma exacerbations.

Results

Rhinovirus epithelial infection stimulated mRNA expression and release of bFGF, the latter being positively correlated with cell death under conditions promoting rhinovirus‐induced cytotoxicity. Supernatants from infected cultures induced lung fibroblast proliferation, which was inhibited by anti‐bFGF antibody, and demonstrated increased matrix metalloproteinase activity. Rhinovirus‐mediated bFGF release was significantly higher in an in vitro simulation of atopic asthmatic environment and, importantly, during rhinovirus‐associated asthma exacerbations.

Conclusions

Rhinovirus infection induces bFGF release by airway epithelium, and stimulates stroma cell proliferation contributing to airway remodeling in asthma. Repeated rhinovirus infections may promote asthma persistence, particularly in the context of atopy; prevention of such infections may influence the natural history of asthma.
A new family of finite-difference schemes to solve the heterogeneous acoustic wave equation
Authors: Di Bartolo Leandro , Dors Cleberson , Mansur Webe J.
Published: August 2012

Equivalent staggered grid scheme (ESG) is a new family of schemes based on the finite-difference method (FDM). The method is applied to acoustic wave propagation in variable density media and the results are compared with those from some classic FDM approaches. The main feature of this new family is that it is designed to generate results numerically equivalent to those using the standard staggered grid formulations (SSG), but with the same memory requirements of simple grid schemes. Hence, it results in a reduction of memory usage by 33% in 2D and 50% in 3D problems, compared to the memory usage of SSG. The first-order system of equations in terms of pressure and velocity is not used here. Instead, the formulation is based on applying new central difference operators to the second-order acoustic wave equation in terms of pressure, obtaining the same level of accuracy and stability as the SSG schemes. The equivalence between the ESG and SSG is mathematically demonstrated and issues concerning the application of seismic sources and the boundary conditions are addressed.
Effectiveness of First-Line Management Strategies for Stage I Follicular Lymphoma: Analysis of the National LymphoCare Study
Authors: Friedberg Jonathan W. , Byrtek Michelle , Link Brian K. , Flowers Christopher , Taylor Michael , Hainsworth John , Cerhan James R. , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Hirata Jamie , Miller Thomas P.
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The optimal management of stage I follicular lymphoma, according to consensus guidelines, is based on uncontrolled experiences of select institutions. Diverse treatment approaches are used despite guidelines that recommend radiation therapy (XRT).

Patients and Methods

We analyzed outcomes of patients with stage I follicular lymphoma enrolled onto the National LymphoCare database.

Results

Of 471 patients with stage I follicular lymphoma, 206 patients underwent rigorous staging as defined by both a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy and an imaging study (a computed tomography [CT] scan of the whole body, a positron emission tomography [PET]/CT scan, or both). Rigorously staged patients had superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared with nonrigorously staged patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63). Treatments given to rigorously staged patients were rituximab/chemotherapy (R-chemo; 28%), XRT (27%), observation (17%), systemic therapy + XRT (13%), rituximab monotherapy (12%), and other (3%). With a median follow-up of 57 months for PFS, there were 44 progression events (in 21% of patients) for rigorously staged patients. For these patients, PFS was significantly improved with either R-chemo or systemic therapy + XRT compared with patients receiving XRT alone after adjustment for histology, LDH, and the presence of B symptoms. There were no differences in overall survival.

Conclusion

In this largest, prospectively enrolled group of patients with stage I follicular lymphoma, variable treatment approaches resulted in similar excellent outcomes, which challenges the paradigm that XRT should be standard for this presentation.
The intracellular portion of GITR enhances NGF-promoted neurite growth through an inverse modulation of Erk and NF-κB signalling
Authors: McKelvey Laura , Gutierrez Humberto , Nocentini Giuseppe , Crampton Sean J. , Davies Alun M. , Riccardi Carlo R. , O’keeffe Gerard W.
Published: August 2012

NF-κB transcription factors play a key role in regulating the growth of neural processes in the developing PNS. Although several secreted proteins have been shown to activate NF-κB to inhibit the growth of developing sympathetic neurons, it is unknown how the endogenous level of NF-κB activity present in these neurons is restricted to allow neurite growth to occur during their normal development. Here we show that activation of the glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor receptor (GITR) inhibits NF-κB activation while promoting the activation of Erk in developing sympathetic neurons. Conversely, inhibition of GITR results in an increase in NF-κB dependent gene transcription and a decrease in Erk activation leading to a reduction in neurite growth. These findings show that GITR signalling can regulate the extent of sympathetic neurite growth through an inverse modulation of Erk and NF-κB signalling, which provides an optimal environment for NGF-promoted growth.
Drosophilasosiefunctions with βH-Spectrin and actin organizers in cell migration, epithelial morphogenesis and cortical stability
Authors: Urwyler Olivier , Cortinas-Elizondo Fabiola , Suter Beat
Published: August 2012

Morphogenesis in multicellular organisms requires the careful coordination of cytoskeletal elements, dynamic regulation of cell adhesion and extensive cell migration. sosie (sie) is a novel gene required in various morphogenesis processes in Drosophila oogenesis. Lack of sie interferes with normal egg chamber packaging, maintenance of epithelial integrity and control of follicle cell migration, indicating that sie is involved in controlling epithelial integrity and cell migration. For these functions sie is required both in the germ line and in the soma. Consistent with this, Sosie localizes to plasma membranes in the germ line and in the somatic follicle cells and is predicted to present an EGF-like domain on the extracellular side. Two positively charged residues, C-terminal to the predicted transmembrane domain (on the cytoplasmic side), are required for normal plasma membrane localization of Sosie. Because sie also contributes to normal cortical localization of βH-Spectrin, it appears that cortical βH-Spectrin mediates some of the functions of sosie. sie also interacts with the genes coding for the actin organizers Filamin and Profilin and, in the absence of sie function, F-actin is less well organized and nurse cells frequently fuse.
Localised inhibition of FGF signalling in the third pharyngeal pouch is required for normal thymus and parathyroid organogenesis
Authors: Gardiner Jennifer R. , Jackson Abigail L. , Gordon Julie , Lickert Heiko , Manley Nancy R. , Basson M. Albert
Published: August 2012

The thymus and parathyroid glands are derived from the third pharyngeal pouch endoderm. The mechanisms that establish distinct molecular domains in the third pouch and control the subsequent separation of these organ primordia from the pharynx are poorly understood. Here, we report that mouse embryos that lack two FGF feedback antagonists, Spry1 and Spry2, display parathyroid and thymus hypoplasia and a failure of these organ primordia to completely separate from the pharynx. We show that FGF ligands and downstream reporter genes are expressed in highly regionalised patterns in the third pouch and that sprouty gene deletion results in upregulated FGF signalling throughout the pouch endoderm. As a consequence, the initiation of markers of parathyroid and thymus fate is altered. In addition, a normal apoptotic programme that is associated with the separation of the primordia from the pharynx is disrupted, resulting in the maintenance of a thymus-pharynx attachment and a subsequent inability of the thymus to migrate to its appropriate position above the heart. We demonstrate that the sprouty genes function in the pharyngeal endoderm itself to control these processes and that the defects in sprouty-deficient mutants are, at least in part, due to hyper-responsiveness to Fgf8. Finally, we provide evidence to suggest that parathyroid hypoplasia in these mutants is due to early gene expression defects in the third pouch, whereas thymus hypoplasia is caused by reduced proliferation of thymic epithelial cells in the thymus primordium.
The Meaning of “Light” and “Ultralight” Cigarettes: A Commentary on Smith, Stutts, and Zank
Authors: Hoek Janet , Dewhirst Timothy
Published: August 2012

The authors question Smith, Stutts, and Zank's (2012) conclusion that young adult smokers interpret “light” and “mild” as taste attributes on several grounds. First, the current study examines evidence from industry documents that reveal strategies to use light and mild variants to reassure smokers. Second, the authors explore the multiple meanings of terms such as “light” and “mild” and illustrate how “light” is commonly used to imply a reduction, particularly in food and alcohol products. Third, they review the extensive consumer evidence documenting smokers’ belief that light cigarette variants will deliver less tar and nicotine and reduce the risk of harms arising from smoking. Finally, they review Smith, Stutts, and Zank's findings and suggest that their sample, predominantly social smokers, has important cognitive biases. The authors identify limitations in the measures of risk used, suggest that these elicit only superficial risk understanding, and conclude that Smith, Stutts, and Zank's findings reveal a considerable potential for harm. As a result, they conclude that Smith, Stutts, and Zank's study has consolidated prior findings by revealing high levels of deception, even among college students, who might be expected to be better educated and more discerning.
Reaction Kinetics and Product Distribution of Slow Pyrolysis of Indian Textile Wastes
Authors: Chowdhury Ranjana , Sarkar Aparna
Published: August 2012

In this present investigation, textiles samples of non-polymeric nature, e.g, cotton, silk etc. of Indian origin were pyrolysed in a 50 mm diameter and 640 mm long packed bed pyrolyser placed in a tubular furnace from 573K to 1173K in a nitrogen atmosphere. Experiments were designed to investigate the effects of temperature of pyrolysis on yields of char, pyro-oil and gas and their characteristics. A kinetic scheme has been proposed where two parallel reactions occur simultaneously to produce volatiles and char. The kinetic rate constants of both the reactions have been determined in the temperature range under study. The activation energies and pre-exponential factors of all products (solid reactant, volatile and char) have been determined. A mathematical model for the pyrolysis of textile waste has been developed using the kinetic parameters determined under the present study. Calorific values of pyro-oil and char obtained at different temperature have been determined. The structural characteristics of char at different temperatures of 573, 873 and 1173K has also been analysed using SEM.
WHO's Got Yellow Rain: An Analysis of the Yellow Rain Incident and the Possible Involvement of the World Health Organization
Authors: Allen Zack
Published: August 2012

This article seeks to answer the question: What would have changed, had the World Health Organization spearheaded the investigation of the Yellow Rain Incident instead of the U.S. State Department? This article will begin with a brief discussion of the Yellow Rain Incident. It will then describe the role and function of the World Health Organization. Next, it will begin analyzing ways in which the World Health Organization could have participated in the investigation of the Yellow Rain Incident. This discussion will also analyze the level at which the World Health Organization could participate in an investigation had the Yellow Rain Incident happened today. Finally, the discussion will return to the original question and attempt to offer an answer after having considered all of the facts and data.
Epigenetic control of cell invasion – the trophoblast model
Authors: Serman Alan , Simon Filip , Fabijanovic Dora , Serman Ljiljana
Published: August 2012

Trophoblast implantation and placentation allow the survival of the young embryo and its normal development inside the uterus. In order for these processes to function properly, the trophoblast has to undergo a series of characteristic changes that lead to its adhesion and invasion of the uterus. This is achieved, among other mechanisms, by inactivation of specific tumor suppressor genes, commonly by methylation of their promoters. Cell adhesion and tissue invasion are also characteristics of malignant tumors and patterns of methylation similar to that seen in trophoblast are found in various tumor types. Another important mechanism that aids trophoblast cells invasion is their transition from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype. Such a transition is also a common characteristic of invading malignant cells. Thus, studying tissue invasion and its control mechanisms can benefit the understanding of both the trophoblast and malignant cells behavior.
Minor improvement of venous blood specimen collection practices in primary health care after a large-scale educational intervention
Authors: Bölenius Karin , Söderberg Johan , Hultdin Johan , Lindkvist Marie , Brulin Christine , Grankvist Kjell
Published: August 2012

Background:Venous blood specimen collection is a common health care practice that has to follow strict guidelines, non-compliance among sampling staff may compromise patient safety. We evaluated a large-scale 2 h educational intervention that emphasised guideline adherence to assess possible improvements of venous blood specimen collection practices.

Methods:Blood specimen haemolysis is usually caused by inadequate venous blood specimen collection and handling, reflecting overall pre-analytical handling. We monitored haemolysis of serum samples with haemolysis index corresponding to ≥150 mg/L of free haemoglobin for specimens sent from 11 primary health care centres and analysed on a Vitros 5,1 clinical chemistry analyser before (2008, n=6652 samples) and after (2010, n=6121 samples) the intervention.

Results:The total percentage of haemolysed specimens was 11.8% compared to 10.5% (p=0.022) before the intervention. As groups, rural primary health care centres demonstrated a significant reduction [Odds ratios (OR)=0.744] of haemolysed specimens after intervention, whereas urban primary health care centres demonstrated a significant increase (OR=1.451) of haemolysis.

Conclusions:A large-scale 2 h educational intervention to make venous blood specimen collection staff comply with guideline practices had minor effects on collection practices. Educational interventions may be effective in wards/care centres demonstrating venous blood specimen collection practices with larger deviations from guidelines.
Distributions and ranges of values of blood and urinary biomarker of inflammation and oxidative stress in the workers engaged in office machine manufactures: evaluation of reference values
Authors: Murase Tadashi , Kitamura Hiroko , Kochi Takeshi , Terunuma Niina , Kurosaki Shizuka , Hata Kouichi , Yanagi Nobuaki , Uchino Bungo , Kitahara Kayo , Morimoto Yasuo , Kasai Hiroshi , Sasaki Toshio , Ogami Akira , Higashi Toshiaki
Published: August 2012

Background:Interleukins, interferons and oxidative DNA products are important biomarkers assessing the inflammations and tissue damages caused by toxic materials in the body. We tried to evaluate distributions, reference values and age related changes of blood levels of inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), IgE and urine levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) among workers in a cohort study evaluating the health influences of toner particles.

Methods:A total of 1366 male workers under age 50 years (age 19–49 years; 718 exposed and 648 not exposed to toner particles) in a cross sectional study of 1614 (categorized as 809 exposed and 805 not exposed, age 19–59 years) workers in a photocopier company has been followed prospectively as the cohort. Blood levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), CRP, IgE and urine 8-OHdG were measured annually for 5 years.

Results:Reference values of the biomarkers are; CRP: 0.01–0.63×10-2g/L, IgE: 6–1480 IU/mL, IL-4: 2.6–76.1 pg/mL, IL-6: 0.4–4.9 pg/mL and 8-OHdG: 1.5–8.2 ng/mgCr. We could not evaluate reference values for IL-8 and IFN-γ because most of the values were below the sensitivity limits (2.0 pg/mL and 0.1 IU/mL, respectively). There were no differences of the biomarker levels between the toner exposed and the control workers. We observed a statistically significant age related decrease of serum IL-4 levels.

Conclusions:This is the first report assessing the distributions and reference values of inflammatory biomarker levels in a large scaled cohort. We observed age related changes of some of the biomarkers. We could not detect any differences of the studied biomarker values between the toner exposed and the control workers.
Efficient synthesis of selected phthalazine derivatives
Authors: Bunce Richard A. , Harrison Todd , Nammalwar Baskar
Published: August 2012

Four phthalazine derivatives have been prepared from substituted 2-bromobenzaldehyde acetals by a sequence involving: (1) lithiation and formylation; (2) deprotection; and (3) condensative cyclization with hydrazine. Two additional phthalazines were prepared by a similar sequence following direct lithiation of benzaldehyde acetals substituted by anion-stabilizing groups at C3. These syntheses can be conveniently carried out to give phthalazines in overall yields of 40–70%.
Anthraquinone polymer catalysts for alkaline delignification of lignocellulosic matter. Part 1. Syntheses and characterizations
Authors: Cazeils Emmanuel , Megiatto Jackson D. , Gardrat Christian , Pichavant Frédérique , Grelier Stéphane , Boulin Bertrand , Sagorin Gilles , Arbicha Pascal , Castellan Alain
Published: August 2012

Syntheses of two new styrene monomers are described, which bear a C4 and C3 chain ending with an anthraquinone (AQ) unit, in para and meta positions of the benzene ring. Both monomers were submitted to radical polymerization, and three linear AQ polystyrene (PS) copolymers (CP-A, CP-B, and CP-C) were prepared. The first two differed by the nature of the link between the AQ and the PS network. An ether oxide group in CP-B gave better accessibility of AQ to the lignin polymer in lignocellulosics, and the incorporation of carboxylic acid functions in CP-C increased its hydrophilicity. The copolymers synthesized were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, ultraviolet, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, such as by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and thermogravimetry (TG). A cross-linked copolymer (CP-3D) bearing AQ units (11.3%) was prepared by emulsion polymerization in the presence of divinylbenzene. Contrary to linear copolymers, the latter was insoluble in aqueous and organic solutions, and displayed remarkable thermal stability.
Protein O-glycosylation analysis
Authors: Zauner Gerhild , Kozak Radoslaw P. , Gardner Richard A. , Fernandes Daryl L. , Deelder André M. , Wuhrer Manfred
Published: August 2012

This review provides an overview on the methods available for analysis of O-glycosylation. Three major themes are addressed: analysis of released O-glycans including different O-glycan liberation, derivatization, and detection methods; analysis of formerly O-glycosylated peptides yielding information on O-glycan attachment sites; analysis of O-glycopeptides, representing by far the most informative but also most challenging approach for O-glycan analysis. Although there are various techniques available for the identification of O-linked oligosaccharides, the focus here is on MS fragmentation techniques such as collision-induced fragmentation, electron capture dissociation, and electron transfer dissociation. Finally, the O-glycan analytical challenges that need to be met will be discussed.
Shiga toxin glycosphingolipid receptor expression and toxin susceptibility of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas of differing origin and differentiation
Authors: Storck Wiebke , Meisen Iris , Gianmoena Kathrin , Pläger Ina , U. Kouzel Ivan , Bielaszewska Martina , Haier Jörg , Mormann Michael , Humpf Hans-Ulrich , Karch Helge , Müthing Johannes
Published: August 2012

Shiga toxins (Stxs) are composed of an enzymatically active A subunit (StxA) and a pentameric B subunit (StxB) that preferentially binds to the glycosphingolipid (GSL) globo\xadtriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer/CD77) and to a reduced extent to globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer). The identification of Gb3Cer as a tumor-associated GSL in human pancreatic cancer prompted us to investigate the expression of Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer in 15 human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines derived from primary tumors and liver, ascites, and lymph node metastases. Thin-layer chromatography overlay assays revealed the occurrence of Gb3Cer in all and of Gb4Cer in the majority of cell lines, which largely correlated with transcriptional expression analysis of Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer synthases. Prominent Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer lipoform heterogeneity was based on ceramides carrying predominantly C16:0 and C24:0/C24:1 fatty acids. Stx2-mediated cell injury ranged from extremely high sensitivity (CD50 of 0.94 pg/ml) to high refractiveness (CD50 of 5.8 μg/ml) and to virtual resistance portrayed by non-determinable CD50 values even at the highest Stx2 concentration (10 μg/ml) applied. Importantly, Stx2-mediated cytotoxicity did not correlate with Gb3Cer expression (the preferential Stx receptor), suggesting that the GSL receptor content does not primarily determine cell sensitivity and that other, yet to be delineated, cellular factors might influence the responsiveness of cancer cells.
An ensemble view of thrombin allostery
Authors: Lechtenberg Bernhard C. , Freund Stefan M.V. , Huntington James A.
Published: August 2012

Thrombin is the central protease of the coagulation cascade. Its activity is tightly regulated to ensure rapid blood clotting while preventing uncontrolled thrombosis. Thrombin interacts with multiple substrates and cofactors and is critically involved in both pro- and anticoagulant pathways of the coagulation network. Its allosteric regulation, especially by the monovalent cation Na+, has been the focus of research for more than 30 years. It is believed that thrombin can adopt an anticoagulant (‘slow’) conformation and, after Na+ binding, a structurally distinct procoagulant (‘fast’) state. In the past few years, however, the general view of allostery has evolved from one of rigid structural changes towards thermodynamic ensembles of conformational states. With this background, the view of the allosteric regulation of thrombin has also changed. The static view of the two-state model has been dismissed in favor of a more dynamic view of thrombin allostery. Herein, we review recent data that demonstrate that apo-thrombin is zymogen-like and exists as an ensemble of conformations. Furthermore, we describe how ligand binding to thrombin allosterically stabilizes conformations on the continuum from zymogen to protease.
Perinatal prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Greenough Anne , Ahmed Na’eem
Published: August 2012

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined as oxygen dependency for at least 28 days after birth, is a common adverse outcome of very premature birth. Affected children require frequent readmissions to hospital in the first 2 years, and although lung growth and remodelling results in progressive improvement in lung function, airflow abnormalities may remain. Indeed, the most severely affected experience troublesome respiratory symptoms as adolescents and young adults. As a consequence, many potential preventative strategies have been investigated, and some have resulted in a reduction in BPD but with a negative risk/benefit ratio, for example, postnatal corticosteroids. Others therapies, namely antenatal corticosteroids and postnatal surfactant, have resulted in significant benefits to infants, including reductions in respiratory distress syndrome, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage and neonatal death, but have not impacted favourably on the incidence of BPD, perhaps due to the increased survival of very immature infants. In one major trial, it has been shown that BPD can be reduced without adverse effects by caffeine administration. Avoidance of high oxygen concentrations at resuscitation is also a promising approach to reduce BPD.
Stepwise sequential screening for Down’s syndrome (combined test associated with modified genetic sonography) in pregnant women with low risk for chromosomal disorders
Authors: Sainz José A. , Peral Ignacio , Borrero Carlota , Almeida Carmen , Moro Antonio , Turmo Enriqueta
Published: August 2012

Objective: To assess the sensitivity (Sen) and false positive ratio (FPR) of stepwise sequential screening [1st step: combined test (CT), 2nd step: modified genetic sonography (major malformation and nuchal fold, MGS)] as a screening method for Down’s syndrome (DS) in the general population of pregnant women.

Methods: Prospective study. During a 5-year study period (July 2005 to June 2010), 17,911 pregnant women were screened for DS using a stepwise sequential screening method (CT+MGS). We evaluated the Sen and FPR (95% CI) of the two chromosomal disorder screening methods for DS: CT and CT+MGS.

Results: Seventeen thousand nine hundred and eleven cases were analysed, including 67 with chromosome abnormalities and 45 with DS. The Sen of CT for DS was 80% (95% CI; 68.3–91.7) (36/45) with a FPR of 4.2% (95% CI; 3.9–4.5) (752/17, 866). The Sen of CT+MSG for DS was 93.3 (95% CI; 85.9–99) (42/45) with a FPR of 4.8% (95% CI; 4.5–5.1) (860/17, 866).

Conclusions: MGS coupled with CT increases the Sen of DS diagnosis by 13.3% (95% CI; 2.7–25.9), with an increase in FPR of 0.6% (95% CI; 0.5–0.7).
Vegan carriage of group B streptococcus: a questionnaire study utilising social media
Authors: Ismail Abdul Qader , Ismail Raveem , Anthony Mark
Published: August 2012

No abstract available.
Towards the enhancement of transdermal drug delivery through thermocavitation
Authors: Padilla-Martinez Juan P. , Banks Darren , Ramirez-San-Juan Julio C. , Ramos-Garcia Ruben , Sun Feng , Aguilar Guillermo
Published: August 2012

Although for some highly lipophillic drugs the principal barrier to permeate the human skin may reside in the essentially viable epidermal membrane, for most molecules, the stratum corneum (SC) is the rate-limiting barrier to drug delivery. Today, several techniques have been developed to enhance transdermal drug delivery (TDD) by increasing the effective permeability of the SC (e.g., iontophoresis, electroporation, micro-needle, ultrasound, radio frequency and laser radiation). The goal of this study is to investigate the extent to which thermocavitation may be used as a novel alternative method to selectively pierce the SC and thus enhance TDD. Thermocavitation for this purpose is generated by a continuous wave (CW), low power laser beam focused on a highly-absorbing solution topically applied on the skin surface. The absorbed light creates a superheated volume in a tightly localized region followed by explosive phase transition and the formation of vapor-gas bubbles, which expand and later collapse very rapidly emitting intense acoustic shockwaves that disrupt the surface underneath.

Thermocavitation bubbles were induced close to the surface of skin models (agar gels) and

The damage observed on agar gel and porcine skin appears to be congruent with the relationship between laser power, focal point, cavitation frequency and extent of damage observed in previous studies. In particular, the greatest damage induced to the agar phantoms was produced with the lowest laser power (∼153 mW) and thinnest solution layer (∼100 μm) used. Similar laser and solution layer settings led to porcine skin damage of ∼80–100 μm in diameter, which was sufficiently large to break the SC and allow the penetration of 4 kDa, FITC-dextran to depths of ∼40–60 μm.

This novel approach to achieve cavitation is attractive and seems promising because it can be generated with inexpensive, low power CW lasers, capable of selectively disrupting the SC and allowing the penetration of large, hydrophilic drugs topically applied to the skin.
Research on enhancement of GFRP-anchor’s torsional strength
Authors: Yan-qing Wang , Zhong-ming Wang , Cheng-jin Shen , You-liang Wu
Published: August 2012

This article mainly aims at experiments to modify the matrix phase in glass fiber-reinforced plastics anchor (GFRP-anchor), trying to achieve the enhancement in the torsional performance of GFRP-anchor in order to expand its application field. The experiments were to add the mineral filling nano mullite powder and the toughening agent acrylic-polyurethane emulsion with different proportions into the matrix phase which experienced a vacuum-pumping process for the removal of bubble, while the same reinforced phase glass fiber was used by all the GFRP-anchor samples with the same forming process conditions. Torsion test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were investigated, and the results revealed that adding nano mullite powder into the matrix phase as the mineral filling with the mass fraction ratio of 1.5%, the acrylic polyurethane emulsion as the toughening agent with 5%, as well as the vacuum-pumping process for the removal of bubble from the matrix phase, can greatly improve the torsional strength of the GFRP-anchor by 35%, 41%, and 51%, respectively.
Use of Physostigmine for Cyclopentolate Overdose in an Infant
Authors: Derinoz Oksan , Emeksiz Hamdi C.
Published: August 2012

Topical application of eye drops may cause mild or severe adverse ocular or systemic effects. Children, particularly infants, are more prone to systemic adverse effects of topical eye drops because of their lower body mass and blood volume, immature metabolism, and immaturity of excretory, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Early recognition of signs and symptoms of systemic toxicity is very important. Most of the signs and symptoms can resolve spontaneously; however, in severe cases, physostigmine treatment may be required. Respiratory distress is a rare adverse effect of cyclopentolate. We report an infant who developed respiratory distress after ocular instillation of cyclopentolate and was successfully treated with physostigmine. The benefit of physostigmine use with close follow-up should be borne in mind in cases with a life-threatening cyclopentolate adverse effect.
The Joint Commission Children’s Asthma Care Quality Measures and Asthma Readmissions
Authors: Fassl Bernhard A. , Nkoy Flory L. , Stone Bryan L. , Srivastava Rajendu , Simon Tamara D. , Uchida Derek A. , Koopmeiners Karmella , Greene Tom , Cook Lawrence J. , Maloney Christopher G.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The Joint Commission introduced 3 Children’s Asthma Care (CAC 1–3) measures to improve the quality of pediatric inpatient asthma care. Validity of the commission’s measures has not yet been demonstrated. The objectives of this quality improvement study were to examine changes in provider compliance with CAC 1–3 and associated asthma hospitalization outcomes after full implementation of an asthma care process model (CPM).

METHODS:

The study included children aged 2 to 17 years who were admitted to a tertiary care children’s hospital for acute asthma between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2010. The study was divided into 3 periods: preimplementation (January 1, 2005–December 31, 2007), implementation (January 1, 2008–March 31, 2009), and postimplementation (April 1, 2009–December 31, 2010) periods. Changes in provider compliance with CAC 1–3 and associated changes in hospitalization outcomes (length of stay, costs, PICU transfer, deaths, and asthma readmissions within 6 months) were measured. Logistic regression was used to control for age, gender, race, insurance type, and time.

RESULTS:

A total of 1865 children were included. Compliance with quality measures before and after the CPM implementation was as follows: 99% versus 100%, CAC-1; 100% versus 100%, CAC-2; and 0% versus 87%, CAC-3 (P < .01). Increased compliance with CAC-3 was associated with a sustained decrease in readmissions from an average of 17% to 12% (P = .01) postimplementation. No change in other outcomes was observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementation of the asthma CPM was associated with improved compliance with CAC-3 and with a delayed, yet significant and sustained decrease in hospital asthma readmission rates, validating CAC-3 as a quality measure. Due to high baseline compliance, CAC-1 and CAC-2 are of questionable value as quality measures.
Maternal Multiple Micronutrient Supplements and Child Cognition: A Randomized Trial in Indonesia
Authors: Prado Elizabeth L. , Alcock Katherine J. , Muadz Husni , Ullman Michael T. , Shankar Anuraj H.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVES:

We investigated the relative benefit of maternal multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation during pregnancy and until 3 months postpartum compared with iron/folic acid supplementation on child development at preschool age (42 months).

METHODS:

We assessed 487 children of mothers who participated in the Supplementation with Multiple Micronutrients Intervention Trial, a cluster-randomized trial in Indonesia, on tests adapted and validated in the local context measuring motor, language, visual attention/spatial, executive, and socioemotional abilities. Analysis was according to intention to treat.

RESULTS:

In children of undernourished mothers (mid-upper arm circumference <23.5 cm), a significant benefit of MMNs was observed on motor ability (B = 0.39 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–0.70]; P = .015) and visual attention/spatial ability (B = 0.37 [95% CI: 0.11–0.62]; P = .004). In children of anemic mothers (hemoglobin concentration <110 g/L), a significant benefit of MMNs on visual attention/spatial ability (B = 0.24 [95% CI: 0.02–0.46]; P = .030) was also observed. No robust effects of maternal MMN supplementation were found in any developmental domain over all children.

CONCLUSIONS:

When pregnant women are undernourished or anemic, provision of MMN supplements can improve the motor and cognitive abilities of their children up to 3.5 years later, particularly for both motor function and visual attention/spatial ability. Maternal MMN but not iron/folic acid supplementation protected children from the detrimental effects of maternal undernutrition on child motor and cognitive development.
Improving biogas yields using an innovative concept for conversion of the fiber fraction of manure
Authors: Biswas Rajib , Ahring B. K. , Uellendahl H.
Published: August 2012

The potential of a new concept to enable economically feasible operation of manure-based biogas plants was investigated at laboratory scale. Wet explosion (WEx) was applied to the residual manure fibers separated after the anaerobic digestion process for enhancing the biogas yield before reintroducing the fiber fraction into the biogas reactor. The increase in methane yield of the digested manure fibers was investigated by applying the WEx treatment under five different process conditions. The WEx treatment at 180 °C and a treatment time of 10 min without addition of oxygen was found to be optimal, resulting in 136% increase in methane yield compared with the untreated digested manure fibers in batch experiments. In a continuous mesophilic reactor process the addition of WEx-treated digested fibers in co-digestion with filtered manure did not show any signs of process inhibition, and the overall methane yield was on average 75% higher than in a control reactor with addition of non-treated digested fibers.
Modeling anaerobic organic matter transformations in the wastewater phase of sewer networks
Authors: Rudelle Elise , Vollertsen Jes , Hvitved-Jacobsen Thorkild , Nielsen Asbjørn Haaning
Published: August 2012

A conceptual model to simulate transformations of organic matter and sulfur compounds in the wastewater phase of sewer networks under anaerobic conditions was developed. For calibration and validation of the model, a series of laboratory experiments on generation of readily biodegradable organic matter and sulfide under anaerobic conditions in samples of wastewater was conducted. Compared with previous studies, the proposed model includes sulfate reduction in the bulk water as well as a revised description of fermentation processes. Substrate affinity for fermentative bacteria was found to be significantly higher than what has been proposed in the activated sludge model, resulting in higher fermentation rates at low substrate concentrations. The findings of the study are important to understand formation of volatile organic compounds and odorous substances in sewers.
Economic assessment of climate adaptation options for urban drainage design in Odense, Denmark
Authors: Zhou Q. , Halsnæs K. , Arnbjerg-Nielsen K.
Published: August 2012

Climate change is likely to influence the water cycle by changing the precipitation patterns, in some cases leading to increased occurrences of precipitation extremes. Urban landscapes are vulnerable to such changes due to the concentrated population and socio-economic values in cities. Feasible adaptation requires better flood risk quantification and assessment of appropriate adaptation actions in term of costs and benefits. This paper presents an economic assessment of three prevailing climate adaptation options for urban drainage design in a Danish case study, Odense. A risk-based evaluation framework is used to give detailed insights of the physical and economic feasibilities of each option. Estimation of marginal benefits of adaptation options are carried out through a step-by-step cost-benefit analysis. The results are aimed at providing important information for decision making on how best to adapt to urban pluvial flooding due to climate impacts in cities.