bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic plasma exchange for desensitization prior to transplantation in ABO‐incompatible renal allografts
Authors: Sivakumaran Praveen , Vo Ashley A. , Villicana Rafael , Peng Alice , Jordan Stanley C. , Pepkowitz Samuel H. , Klapper Ellen B. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground: Although there have been desensitization protocols used for ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) renal transplants, there are a lack of studied protocols. Our center developed a preconditioning protocol that involved mycophenolic acid, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) that allowed for ABOi renal transplantation. Methods: Ten patients in our institution with end‐stage renal disease who were unable to procure ABO‐compatible donor kidneys underwent treatment with this protocol (which included a uniform 5 TPE sessions) prior to an ABOi renal transplant. A retrospective chart review was performed on these patients and clinical endpoints including ABO antibody titers, serum creatinine, clinical complications, and graft performance were analyzed. Results: The median ABO antibody titers at presentation, after completion of the protocol, and after transplant for the patients were 32 (range, 2–128), 8 (range, 1–64), and 4 (range, 2–32), respectively. The mean serum creatinine at study conclusion was 1.45 ± 1.04 mg/dl at an average of 262.20 days from transplant. There were four incidents of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) and two incidents of delayed graft function (DGF). There was one incident of graft failure and no patient deaths. Conclusions: The desensitization protocol used by our institution allowed for successful ABOi renal transplantation. Although there were incidents of AMR and DGF, the majority of the transplants resulted in viable grafts. A larger patient study group may be needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of this protocol. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of inhibitory compounds on the anaerobic digestion performance of diluted wastewaters from the alimentary industry
Authors: Camarillo Rafael , Rincón Jesusa 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Up to now the effect of inhibitory compounds on the anaerobic digestion performance of urban and industrial wastewaters has been mostly studied in fluidized bed and upflowing anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) bioreactors but not in upflow packed‐bed biodigesters.RESULTS: In this paper, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to quantify the effect of various inhibitory compounds (olive oil, ethanol and phenol) on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and biogas production rate from synthetic solutions and real industrial wastewaters by anaerobic digestion. The synthetic solutions possessed the same composition in these inhibitory compounds as diluted effluents from olive oil mill and winery industries. The process was performed in a laboratory scale digester containing anaerobic sludge from the Urban Reclamation Station of Toledo (Spain). The comparison of both individual factors and interactions between factors showed that the addition of olive oil at moderate concentrations (up to 0.5% w/w) did not change the performance of the process in comparison with that observed when feeding to the system a model solution (51.5% COD removal, 0.65 L biogas day−1). However, low concentrations of ethanol or phenol (250 and 150 mg L−1, respectively) almost completely inhibited the methanogenic phase. Moreover, a strong interaction between ethanol and phenol concentrations on COD removal was observed.CONCLUSION: The experimental results showed quantitatively the importance of some inhibitory compounds on anaerobic treatment of both synthetic solutions and real wastewaters from olive oil mill and winery industries. Inhibitory effects are closely related to both the organic loads and the anaerobic bioreactor used. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Gill morphometrics in relation to gas transfer and ram ventilation in high‐energy demand teleosts: Scombrids and billfishes
Authors: Wegner Nicholas C. , Sepulveda Chugey A. , Bull Kristina B. , Graham Jeffrey B. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis comparative study of the gill morphometrics in scombrids (tunas, bonitos, and mackerels) and billfishes (marlins, swordfish) examines features of gill design related to high rates of gas transfer and the high‐pressure branchial flow associated with fast, continuous swimming. Tunas have the largest relative gill surface areas of any fish group, and although the gill areas of non‐tuna scombrids and billfishes are smaller than those of tunas, they are also disproportionally larger than those of most other teleosts. The morphometric features contributing to the large gill surface areas of these high‐energy demand teleosts include: 1) a relative increase in the number and length of gill filaments that have, 2) a high lamellar frequency (i.e., the number of lamellae per length of filament), and 3) lamellae that are long and low in profile (height), which allows a greater number of filaments to be tightly packed into the branchial cavity. Augmentation of gill area through these morphometric changes represents a departure from the general mechanism of area enhancement utilized by most teleosts, which lengthen filaments and increase the size of the lamellae. The gill design of scombrids and billfishes reflects the combined requirements for ram ventilation and elevated energetic demands. The high lamellar frequencies and long lamellae increase branchial resistance to water flow which slows and streamlines the ram ventilatory stream. In general, scombrid and billfish gill surface areas correlate with metabolic requirements and this character may serve to predict the energetic demands of fish species for which direct measurement is not possible. The branching of the gill filaments documented for the swordfish in this study appears to increase its gill surface area above that of other billfishes and may allow it to penetrate oxygen‐poor waters at depth. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endothelial microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 exacerbates neuronal loss induced by kainate
Authors: Takemiya Takako , Matsumura Kiyoshi , Sugiura Hiroko , Maehara Michiyo , Yasuda Shin , Uematsu Satoshi , Akira Shizuo , Yamagata Kanato 
Published: August 2009

AbstractProstaglandin E2(PGE2) is increased in the brain after kainic acid (KA) treatment. We previously demonstrated that KA also induces PG synthase cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression rapidly in neurons of the brain and slowly in astrocytes and endothelia. Prevention of KA‐induced neuronal damage by nonneuronal COX‐2 inhibition suggests a novel modulatory mechanism for neuronal injury by nonneuronal PGs. It remains unclear, however, which PG synthase is responsible for this modulation following COX‐2 synthesis after neuronal insult. In addition, the PG receptor subtype that is involved in neuronal loss remains controversial. Here we demonstrate that microinjection of KA induces microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) in venous endothelial cells but not in neurons or astrocytes. We found that mPGES‐1 plays a central role in delayed production of PGE2and thatmPGES‐1‐deficient mice exhibit significantly less neuronal loss induced by KA. Furthermore, KA injection caused an increase in the immunoreactivity for the EP3 receptor in the astrocytic endfeet that surround vascular endothelia. Neurons form intimate interactions with astrocytes via glutamate, and astrocytes contact vascular endothelia through endfeet. These findings suggest that endothelial cells may control neuronal excitotoxicity, most likely by regulating astrocytes via inducible PGE2. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving estimation of missing values in daily precipitation series by a probability density function‐preserving approach
Authors: Simolo C. , Brunetti M. , Maugeri M. , Nanni T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis work presents a novel method for estimating missing values in daily precipitation series. It is aimed at identifying the event time location with good accuracy and reconstructing the correct amount of daily rainfall. In addition, the statistical properties of the time series, i.e. both probability distribution and long‐term statistics, are preserved. The completion method is based on a two‐step algorithm that uses information from a cluster of neighboring stations. First, wet and dry days are tagged, and subsequently, the full precipitation amount for wet‐classified days is estimated by a modified multi‐linear regression approach. This method avoids overestimation of the number of wet days and underestimation of intense precipitation events, which are typical side effects of common regression‐based approaches. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Micro‐computed tomography evaluation of vertebral end‐plate trabecular bone changes in a porcine asymmetric vertebral tether
Authors: Laffosse Jean‐Michel , Odent Thierry , Accadbled Franck , Cachon Thibault , Kinkpe Charles , Viguier Eric , Sales de Gauzy Jérôme , Swider Pascal 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe conducted a micro‐CT analysis of subchondral bone of the vertebral end‐plates after application of compressive stress. Thoracic and lumbar vertebral units were instrumented by carrying out left asymmetric tether in eleven 4‐week‐old pigs. After 3 months of growth, instrumented units and control units were harvested. Micro‐CT study of subchondral bone was performed on one central and two lateral specimens (fixated side and non‐fixated side). In control units, bone volume fraction (BV/TV), number of trabeculae (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and degree of anisotropy (DA) were significantly higher, whereas intertrabecular space (Tb.Sp) was significantly lower in center than in periphery. No significant difference between the fixated and non‐fixated sides was found. In instrumented units, BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and DA were significantly higher in center than in periphery. BV/TV, Tb.N, and Conn.D were significantly higher in fixated than in non‐fixated side, while Tb.Sp was significantly lower. We noted BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th significantly lower, and Tb.Sp significantly higher, in the instrumented levels. This study showed, in instrumented units, two opposing processes generating a reorganization of the trabecular network. First, an osteolytic process (decrease in BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th) by stress‐shielding, greater in center and on non‐fixated side. Second, an osteogenic process (higher BV/TV, Tb.N, Conn.D, and lower Tb.Sp) due to the compressive loading induced by growth on the fixated side. This study demonstrates the densification of the trabecular bone tissue of the vertebral end‐plates after compressive loading, and illustrates the potential risks of excessively rigid spinal instrumentation which may induce premature osteopenia. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:232–240, 2010
Detectable reporter gene expression following transduction of adenovirus and adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 vectors within full‐thickness osteoarthritic and unaffected canine cartilage in vitro and unaffected guinea pig cartilage in vivo
Authors: Santangelo Kelly S. , Baker Sarah A. , Nuovo Gerard , Dyce Jonathan , Bartlett Jeffrey S. , Bertone Alicia L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis study quantified and compared the transduction efficiencies of adenoviral (Ad), Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD)‐modified Ad, adeno‐associated viral serotype 2 (AAV2), and self‐complementary AAV2 (scAAV2) vectors within full‐thickness osteoarthritic (OA) and unaffected canine cartilage explants in vitro. Intraarticular administration of Ad and scAAV2 vectors was performed to determine the ability of these vectors to transduce unaffected guinea pig cartilage in vivo. Following explant exposure to vector treatment or control, the onset and surface distribution of reporter gene expression was monitored daily with fluorescent microscopy. At termination, explants were divided: one half was digested for analysis using flow cytometry; the remaining portion was used for histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Intact articular joints were collected for real‐time RT‐PCR and IHC to detect reporter gene expression following injection of selected vectors. Ad vector transduced focal areas along the perimeters of explants; the remaining vectors transduced chondrocytes across 100% of the surface. Greater mean transduction efficiencies were found with both AAV2 vectors as compared to the Ad vector (p ≤ 0.026). Ad and Ad‐RGD vectors transduced only superficial chondrocytes of OA and unaffected cartilage. Uniform reporter gene expression from AAV2 and scAAV2 was detected in the tangential and transitional zones of OA cartilage, but not deeper zones. AAV2 and scAAV2 vectors achieved partial and full‐thickness transduction of unaffected cartilage. In vivo work revealed that scAAV2 vector, but not Ad vector, transduced deeper zones of cartilage and menisci. This study demonstrates that AAV2 and scAAV2 are reliable vectors for use in cartilage in vitro and in vivo. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:149–155, 2010
Photopolymerization in water of diacetylenes chemisorbed onto noble metal nanoparticles: a spectroscopic study
Authors: Raimondo Corinna , Alloisio Marina , Demartini Anna , Cuniberti Carla , Dellepiane Giovanna , Jadhav Sushilkumar A. , Petrillo Giovanni , Giorgetti Emilia , Gellini Cristina , Muniz‐Miranda Maurizio 
Published: August 2009

AbstractGold and silver nanoparticles of different size, decorated by a diacetylenic monomer having a COOH anchor group, were prepared in aqueous dispersions. Topochemical polymerization of the colloidal suspensions was obtained by UV irradiation and studied by means of spectroscopic techniques (UV–visible absorption, IR and Raman spectroscopies). A variety of polymer phases were found in the case of silver nanohybrids. The main contribution for this investigation was supplied by the Raman spectra, which provide detailed information on the polymer forms and on the preferred conformation of the alkylic side chains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a sensitive and group‐specific polyclonal antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of malachite green and leucomalachite green in water and fish samples
Authors: Xing Weiwei , He Li , Yang Hong , Sun Chengjun , Li Dawei , Yang Xiaoming , Li Yuan , Deng Anping 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Malachite green (MG) is widely used in fishery, since it is easily adsorbed by fish during waterborne exposure and is rapidly metabolised into leucomalachite green (LMG). However, both MG and LMG are potential carcinogens, teratogens and mutagens. In this study the LMG derivative bearing an amino group on the phenyl ring was synthesised and coupled to carrier proteins. An LMG polyclonal antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed and characterised.RESULTS: The ELISA standard curve was constructed with concentrations of 0.1–100 ng mL−1. The IC50 value for nine standard curves was in the range 0.9–2.6 ng mL−1 and the limit of detection at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 was 0.02–0.10 ng mL−1. The cross‐reactivity values of the LMG antibody with MG, crystal violet and leucocrystal violet were 95.25, 29.07 and 212.38% respectively, while less than 0.2% cross‐reactivity was found with eight other compounds. For LMG‐spiked water and fish samples, recoveries were 76.2–95.0% and the correlation coefficient of ELISA with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was 0.9752 (n = 7). For (LMG + MG)‐spiked fish samples the results of ELISA were similar to those of HPLC.CONCLUSION: The proposed ELISA can be utilised as an analytical tool for detecting the sum of MG and LMG in water and fish muscle samples. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of alternative cereal sources in dog diets: effect on nutrient utilisation and hindgut fermentation characteristics
Authors: Kore Kumar B , Pattanaik Ashok K , Das Asit , Sharma Kusumakar 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Rice is one of the most commonly used cereal grains in pet foods. However, other cereals such as pearl millet, sorghum and maize have good amino acid profiles and could be used as alternatives to rice in the diet of dogs, thus sparing rice for human consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional worth of these cereals for pet dogs.RESULTS: Eight adult Spitz dogs (age ∼10 months, average body weight 6.14 ± 0.58 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design to compare the effects of dietary inclusion of four cereals, namely rice, maize, pearl millet and sorghum, on digestibility and hindgut fermentation characteristics. The digestibility of dry matter (DM) was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced when rice was replaced by the alternative cereals. Additionally, the digestibilities of protein, fat and total dietary fibre decreased (P < 0.01) in dogs fed the pearl millet‐based diet. The DM voided in faeces increased (P < 0.05) when rice was replaced by the alternative cereals. Faecal ammonia concentration was higher (P < 0.05) on the rice‐based diet, while faecal lactate concentration was reduced (P < 0.01) on the pearl millet‐ and sorghum‐based diets.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that maize, pearl millet and sorghum are not as effectively utilised as rice as cereal source in the diet of dogs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of conventional and organic production systems on the yield and quality of field tomato cultivars grown in Tunisia
Authors: Riahi Anissa , Hdider Chafik , Sanaa Mustapha , Tarchoun Néji , Ben Kheder Mohamed , Guezal Ismaïl 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The agricultural production system and cultivation practices are critical factors in determining yield and food nutritional quality. Controversy remains regarding whether or not organic foods have a nutritional advantage when compared with their conventionally produced counterparts. In this study the effect of conventional and organic production systems on yield, physicochemical and nutritional properties of four field tomato cultivars (Perfectpeel, Rio Grande, Hypeel 108 and Firenze) was determined. In the organic system, different fertiliser combination treatments were used.RESULTS: When production system data were combined, marketable yield was not affected by cultivar. When averaged across cultivars, organic yield was about 63% of conventional yield. The production system affected fruit soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity and firmness only in some cultivars. However, no effect was found on lycopene and total phenolics in all cultivars. In the organic system, fertiliser combination treatments affected tomato yield of Rio Grande and fruit quality of Firenze and Hypeel 108. A general trend of higher quality data was obtained by using mixed compost C2 combined with its extract and codahumus 20.CONCLUSION: The production system affects tomato yield and some fruit quality attributes. The effect on fruit quality varies among cultivars, thus highlighting the need to use a range of varieties in this kind of study. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
On corporate structure, strategy, and performance: a study with directed acyclic graphs and PC algorithm
Authors: Chong Hogun , Zey Mary , Bessler David A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper reconsiders empirical evidence on relationships among variables related to corporate strategy, structure, and performance. Causal relationships among variables are modeled as directed acyclic graphs using PC‐algorithm. Return on Assets appears to be determined by Advertising Intensity, Unrelated Diversification, R&D Intensity, and Organizational Ownership Hierarchy. Debt Structure and Investor Characteristics do not cause (either directly or indirectly) return on assets. These latter two variables appear to be effects of return on assets, not causes. Results offer mixed support of the theory that structure causes strategy, which in turn causes performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Izumo is part of a multiprotein family whose members form large complexes on mammalian sperm
Authors: Ellerman Diego A. , Pei Jimin , Gupta Surabhi , Snell William J. , Myles Diana , Primakoff Paul 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIzumo, a sperm membrane protein, is essential for gamete fusion in the mouse. It has an Immunoglobulin (Ig) domain and an N‐terminal domain for which neither the functions nor homologous sequences are known. In the present work we identified three novel proteins showing an N‐terminal domain with significant homology to the N‐terminal domain of Izumo. We named this region “Izumo domain,” and the novel proteins “Izumo 2,” “Izumo 3,” and “Izumo 4,” retaining “Izumo 1” for the first described member of the family. Izumo 1–3 are transmembrane proteins expressed specifically in the testis, and Izumo 4 is a soluble protein expressed in the testis and in other tissues. Electrophoresis under mildly denaturing conditions, followed by Western blot analysis, showed that Izumo 1, 3, and 4 formed protein complexes on sperm, Izumo 1 forming several larger complexes and Izumo 3 and 4 forming a single larger complex. Studies using different recombinant Izumo constructs suggested the Izumo domain possesses the ability to form dimers, whereas the transmembrane domain or the cytoplasmic domain or both of Izumo 1 are required for the formation of multimers of higher order. Co‐immunoprecipitation studies showed the presence of other sperm proteins associated with Izumo 1, suggesting Izumo 1 forms a multiprotein membrane complex. Our results raise the possibility that Izumo 1 might be involved in organizing or stabilizing a multiprotein complex essential for the function of the membrane fusion machinery. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 1188–1199, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal linear combinations of array elements for B1 mapping
Authors: Malik Shaihan J. , Larkman David J. , Hajnal Joseph V. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAccuracy of B1 mapping for array coils can be improved by mapping the fields produced by driving linear combinations of the array elements, chosen to produce a more uniform distribution of B1 amplitude. Quality of the resulting single element B1 maps is influenced by the transformation used both via the uniformity of the resulting linear combination fields and by the degree to which these linear combinations differ from one another. In this work we investigate the effect of using different transformations on the quality of B1 maps by simulating the B1 mapping process for two different techniques, using real data from a 3T 8‐channel body transmit system. Different transformations are generated using a single complex parameter. It is demonstrated that the optimal transformation within this framework is different for different imaging targets (pelvis and brain of healthy volunteers, and water and oil phantoms). For the same target (pelvis) the optimum condition, however, is similar for a number of subjects, suggesting that optimal configurations to be used for calibrating coils in specific anatomical contexts can be determined in advance. Potential gains may be translated into significant reductions in scan time for equivalent signal‐to‐noise ratio coil maps. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.