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1.
Plant Dis ; : PDIS12212803PDN, 2022 Jul 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35084947
2.
J Mol Endocrinol ; 62(4): 159-168, 2019 05 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30917339

ABSTRACT

Modified lipoproteins can negatively affect beta cell function and survival. However, the mechanisms behind interactions of modified lipoproteins with beta cells - and in particular, relationships to increased uptake - are only partly clarified. By over-expressing the scavenger receptor CD36 (Tet-on), we increased the uptake of fluorescent low-density modified lipoprotein (oxLDL) into insulin-secreting INS-1 cells. The magnitude of uptake followed the degree of CD36 over-expression. CD36 over-expression increased concomitant efflux of 3H-cholesterol in proportion to the cellular contents of 3H-cholesterol. Exposure to concentrations of oxLDL from 20 to 100 µg/mL dose-dependently increased toxicity (evaluated by MTT) as well as apoptosis. However, the increased uptake of oxLDL due to CD36 over-expression did not exert additive effects on oxLDL toxicity - neither on viability, nor on glucose-induced insulin release and cellular content. Reciprocally, blocking CD36 receptors by Sulfo-N-Succinimidyl Oleate decreased the uptake of oxLDL but did not diminish the toxicity. Pancreatic islets of CD36-/- mice displayed reduced uptake of 3H-cholesterol-labeled oxLDL vs wild type but similar toxicity to oxLDL. OxLDL was found to increase the expression of CD36 in islets and INS-1 cells. In summary, given the experimental conditions, our results indicate that (1) increased uptake of oxLDL is not responsible for toxicity of oxLDL, (2) increased efflux of the cholesterol moiety of oxLDL counterbalances, at least in part, increased uptake and (3) oxLDL participates in the regulation of CD36 in pancreatic islets and in INS-1 cells.


Subject(s)
Insulin-Secreting Cells/metabolism , Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism , Animals , Biological Transport/drug effects , Biological Transport/physiology , CD36 Antigens/genetics , CD36 Antigens/metabolism , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cell Survival/physiology , Cholesterol/metabolism , Doxycycline/pharmacology , Flow Cytometry , Insulin/metabolism , Insulin-Secreting Cells/drug effects , Lipoproteins, LDL/pharmacology , Male , Mice , Microscopy, Confocal , Rats , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
3.
Sci Rep ; 9(1): 803, 2019 Jan 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30692580

ABSTRACT

We present a study of precessional magnetization switching in orthogonal spin-torque spin-valve devices at low temperatures. The samples consist of a spin-polarizing layer that is magnetized out-of-the film plane and an in-plane magnetized free and reference magnetic layer separated by non-magnetic metallic layers. We find coherent oscillations in the switching probability, characterized by high speed switching (~200 ps), error rates as low as 10-5 and decoherence effects at longer timescales (~1 ns). Our study, which is conducted over a wide range of parameter space (pulse amplitude and duration) with deep statistics, demonstrates that the switching dynamics are likely dominated by the action of the out-of-plane spin polarization, in contrast to in-plane spin-torque from the reference layer, as has been the case in most previous studies. Our results demonstrate that precessional spin-torque devices are well suited to a cryogenic environment, while at room temperature they have so far not exhibited coherent or reliable switching.

4.
Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg ; 51(3): 380-5, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26818022

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the current results of aortic arch aneurysm repair using inner branched endografts performed in three high volume aortic endovascular centers and to compare them to the pioneering global experience with this technology. METHODS: Included patients underwent repair of aortic arch aneurysms >55 mm in diameter using inner branched endograft technology between April 2013 and November 2014. All patients were deemed unfit for open surgery. Inner branches were designed to perfuse the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery in all cases. A left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization was performed prior to the arch endovascular repair. Data were collected retrospectively in an electronic database. Parameters included length of procedure, fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, technical success, presence of endoleaks, early and late complications, and mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included in the study. Technical success was achieved in all cases. No patients died during the 30 day post-operative period. Early neurologic events included two major strokes (7.4%) and one minor stroke (3.7%). Transient spinal cord ischemia with full recovery was observed in two patients (7.4%). Four patients (14.8%) underwent early (<30 day) re-interventions; these were for an access complication, an ischemic limb and exploration of the left ventricle through a sternotomy in two patients. During follow up (median 12 months), one patient (3.7%) died from a remote thoraco-abdominal aneurysm rupture. There were three Type 2 endoleaks (11.1%). Two re-interventions (7.4%) were performed, one to treat a Type 2 endoleak and one to treat a septic false aneurysm. A significant decrease in overall mortality was observed when comparing patients from the early experience with patients from the current report. CONCLUSIONS: The early outcomes associated with this technology are favorable. Branched endografting of aortic arch aneurysms should be considered in patients unfit for open surgery.


Subject(s)
Aorta, Thoracic/surgery , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/surgery , Blood Vessel Prosthesis , Endovascular Procedures/methods , Vascular Grafting/methods , Aged , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prosthesis Design , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome
5.
J Endocrinol ; 213(1): 67-76, 2012 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22281526

ABSTRACT

We previously reported that transgenic (Tg) expression of adiponectin significantly prolonged the lifespan of normal mice. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism involved in the longevity effects of adiponectin using KK/Ta mice, a murine model of metabolic syndrome. We established a Tg line of KK/Ta (Tg-KK/Ta) mice expressing human adiponectin in the liver, and assessed their lifespan. The cause of death was determined by macroscopic and microscopic examinations immediately after death. The expressions of SIRT1, C-reactive protein (CRP), inflammatory cytokines, AMPK, and AKT were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, ELISAs, and/or western blotting. KK/Ta mice had lower serum adiponectin levels and shorter lifespan (57.6±13.9 vs 106.5±18.3 weeks, P<0.0001) than C57BL/6N mice. Tg adiponectin expression significantly extended the lifespan of KK/Ta mice (73.6±16.6 weeks, P<0.001) without affecting body weight, daily food consumption, or plasma glucose levels. Neoplasms were observed in only three of 22 KK/Ta mice that died spontaneously because of tumors. Atherosclerotic lesions were not detected in any mice. SIRT1 levels were not significantly different between KK/Ta and Tg-KK/Ta mice. Gene expressions of Crp, Tnfα, Il6, and Nfκb were increased in KK/Ta mice, but they were significantly attenuated in Tg-KK/Ta mice. Phosphorylated AMPK levels were increased and phosphorylated AKT levels were decreased in Tg-KK/Ta mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of adiponectin, achieved by inhibiting the AKT signaling pathway, may explain how adiponectin slows the accelerated aging process associated with the metabolic syndrome.


Subject(s)
Adiponectin/blood , Metabolic Syndrome/metabolism , Mortality, Premature , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/antagonists & inhibitors , Signal Transduction/physiology , Adiponectin/genetics , Animals , Chronic Disease , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Inflammation/genetics , Inflammation/pathology , Inflammation/prevention & control , Male , Metabolic Syndrome/genetics , Metabolic Syndrome/pathology , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Transgenic , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology , Signal Transduction/genetics
6.
J Viral Hepat ; 17(2): 91-7, 2010 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19566786

ABSTRACT

It is controversial whether past hepatitis B virus infection constitutes an additional risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The incidence of HCC between 1994 and 2004 was analysed among 1262 patients who were only positive for HCV. The cumulative incidence of HCC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the difference between two groups was assessed by the log-rank test. The effect of anti-HBc positivity on the risk of HCC was assessed with multivariate Cox proportional analysis. Anti-HBc was positive in 522 (41.4%) patients. The proportion of male patients (56.7 vs 46.8%, P < 0.001) and mean age (60.8 vs 56.9 years, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the anti-HBc positive group. HCC developed in 339 patients (mean follow-up 7.0 years), with cumulative incidence rates at 3, 5 and 10 years of 12.7, 24.5 and 41.9% in the anti-HBc positive group and 10.6, 17.7 and 33.4% in the negative group, respectively (P = 0.005). However, anti-HBc seropositivity did not reach statistical significance in multivariate analysis including age and gender (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.85-1.31; P = 0.63). Anti-HBc positivity and HCC incidence were confounded by male gender and older age.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology , Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications , Age Factors , Aged , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Sex Factors
7.
Gut ; 58(6): 839-44, 2009 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19174415

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Visceral fat accumulation reportedly increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with chronic liver disease. However, it has not been fully elucidated whether visceral fat accumulation increases the risk of HCC recurrence after curative treatment in patients with suspected non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Therefore this was investigated in the current study. METHODS: 62 patients with naive HCC with suspected NASH were enrolled. All were curatively treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation between 1999 and 2006. The visceral fat area (VFA) was determined in each patient from CT images, taken at the time of HCC diagnosis. Patients were divided into two groups based on VFA: the high VFA group (>130 cm(2) in males, >90 cm(2) in females, n = 27) and the others (n = 35). The effects of VFA on HCC recurrence were analysed together with other factors including patients' background, tumour-related factors and liver function-related factors. RESULTS: The cumulative recurrence rates differed significantly between the two groups; 15.9, 56.5 and 75.1% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively, in the high VFA group, and 9.7, 31.1 and 43.1%, respectively, in the controls (p = 0.018). Multivariate analysis indicated visceral fat accumulation (risk ratio 1.08, per 10 cm(2), p = 0.046) and older age (risk ratio 1.06 per 1 year, p = 0.04) as independent risk factors of HCC recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Visceral fat accumulation is an independent risk factor of HCC recurrence after curative treatment in patients with suspected NASH.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Catheter Ablation , Intra-Abdominal Fat , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/etiology , Aged , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality , Epidemiologic Methods , Fatty Liver/complications , Fatty Liver/mortality , Fatty Liver/virology , Female , Hepacivirus , Hepatitis B/complications , Hepatitis B/mortality , Hepatitis B virus , Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications , Hepatitis C, Chronic/mortality , Humans , Intra-Abdominal Fat/diagnostic imaging , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Liver Neoplasms/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
8.
Minim Invasive Neurosurg ; 51(6): 324-8, 2008 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19061141

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Mechanical removal of intravascular clots in addition to administration of tissue plasminogen activator are both desirable for improved outcome in acute embolic stroke. We have developed a novel endovascular catheter system for rapid and reliable mechanical recanalization of cerebral embolisms with little or no requirement for fibrinolytic agents. Here, we describe the evaluation of this device in vitro. MATERIALS: Pulsed liquid jets were generated and ejected from the catheter exit by accelerating cold physiological saline (4 degrees C, 40 mL/h) using the energy of a pulsed holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser (3 Hz, 1.2 W). Accessibility beyond the tortuous cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery to the M1 and A1 regions was confirmed using a transparent model of the human cerebral artery. Mechanical characteristics of the liquid jets were evaluated with a high-speed camera. Liquid jets of physiological saline or urokinase solution (1,200 IU/mL) were exposed to artificial thrombi made of human blood under temperature monitoring. Remnants of thrombi were collected and incubated at 37 degrees C for 10 min for estimation of fibrinolysis rates. RESULTS: The jet velocity (maximum: 5 m/s) was controlled by changing the laser energy. The fibrinolysis rates (mean+/-SD) after exposure to jets of saline or urokinase solution for 45 s were 62.2+/-16.4 and 94.0+/-3.4%, respectively, and were significantly better than the rate of 8.1+/-2.0% with administration of urokinase alone. The local temperature rise was less than 8 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the laser-induced liquid jet catheter system may be a powerful tool for mechanical destruction of emboli and augmentation of the effect of fibrinolytic agents beyond the tortuous part of the internal carotid artery.


Subject(s)
Catheterization/instrumentation , Equipment and Supplies/standards , Intracranial Embolism/drug therapy , Lasers, Solid-State , Models, Cardiovascular , Thrombolytic Therapy/instrumentation , Acute Disease , Adult , Catheterization/methods , Cerebral Arteries/drug effects , Humans , Male , Sodium Chloride/administration & dosage , Sodium Chloride/therapeutic use , Temperature , Thrombolytic Therapy/methods , Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator/administration & dosage , Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator/therapeutic use
9.
Phytopathology ; 98(2): 181-6, 2008 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18943194

ABSTRACT

The infection of melon plants by Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV) and the development of necrotic disease symptoms are a seasonal occurrence in Japan, which take place between winter and early summer, but not during mid-summer. In this paper we investigate the effect of three different temperatures (15, 20, and 25 degrees C) on the local and systemic expression of MNSV in melon plants. Previously, the incidence of plants expressing systemic symptoms caused by MNSV and other viruses was found to be greater at temperatures less than 20 degrees C. In this study, our temperature-shift experiments support previous studies that found the expression of systemic symptoms increases as temperature falls from 25 to 20 degrees C and decreases as temperature rises from 20 to 25 degrees C. However, MNSV replication in melon cells and local viral movement within leaves following the inoculation of melon protoplasts or cotyledons were more frequent at 25 degrees C than at 15 or 20 degrees C.


Subject(s)
Carmovirus/growth & development , Cucurbitaceae/virology , Plant Diseases/virology , Temperature , Blotting, Northern , Carmovirus/genetics , Carmovirus/metabolism , Cucurbitaceae/cytology , Plant Leaves/cytology , Plant Leaves/virology , Virus Replication/genetics
10.
Minim Invasive Neurosurg ; 50(4): 212-8, 2007 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17948180

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The authors have incorporated a holmium: YAG laser-induced liquid jet (LILJ) within a microcatheter for rapid, safe, and reliable fibrinolysis, and reported its effectiveness in vitro. The purpose of this study is to evaluate an appropriate operation mode to minimize debris size and to apply the system in in vivo experiments using a porcine cranial artery model. MATERIALS: Evaluation of debris size: The relationships between laser energy and the size of the debris have been evaluated in in vitro experiments. Pulsed LILJ (3 Hz for 60 seconds) were applied to the artificial thrombi (made out of human blood taken from healthy volunteers) in a teflon tube (internal diameter: 4 mm) in the following operation modes: firstly, the laser energy was set at 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4 W, and urokinase (UK) solution (12000 IU/mL) was supplied at rate of 40 mL/hour. In the 0.8 W operation, the concentrations of UK were changed between 0, 1200, 6000, and 12000 lU/mL. Immediately after application of LILJ, the remnant debris were collected and fixed with formaldehyde, and the size and numbers of debris were evaluated under a light microscope. Application in a porcine cranial artery model: The acute embolic models were made using four pigs: the artificial thrombi were made of porcine blood and 1 mL of embolus was used to occlude the left lingual artery via a catheter. After occlusion of lingual artery for 30 minutes, the LILJ microcatheter system was brought to the occlusion site via a guiding catheter and with the assistance of guide-wire. After every 2.5 minutes application of LILJ, angiographies were performed to evaluate the recanalization of the occluded vessels. Cold UK (1200 IU/mL) solution (4 degrees C) was supplied at the rate of 40 mL/hour with laser operation (2 pigs) and without laser operation (2 pigs: control). The pigs were decapitated, and vessels at the laser irradiation sites were obtained to evaluate the damage to the vessel wall. RESULTS: Evaluation of debris size: After application of UK solution by the LILJ (12000 lU/mL), 48.7 (1.0 W) to 72.0% (0.8 W) of debris were under 200 microm in size, while 3.7 (0.8 W) to 17.0% (1.2 W) of them exceeded 600 microm, and the 0.8 W operation mode had a tendency to be the better operation mode. During the 0.8 W operation mode, 58 (without UK) to 72% (12000 lU/mi) of debris were under 200 microm in size, while 3.5 (12000 lU/mL) to 8.5% (without UK) of them exceeded 600 microm. Application in a porcine cranial artery model: Recanalization of the occluded vessels was obtained at 15 and 20 minutes in the treatment group. Histological specimens showed neither apparent mechanical nor thermal damage. CONCLUSION: Although an additional system to collect debris, which cannot be dealt with in the pharmacological effect of fibrinolytics in the short-term, should be developed, the present results show the possibility of the LILJ microcatheter system to become a useful assistant device for the mechanical fragmentation of embolus and the enhancement of fibrinolytics.


Subject(s)
Catheterization/instrumentation , Cerebral Arteries/surgery , Intracranial Embolism/surgery , Laser Therapy/instrumentation , Thrombolytic Therapy/instrumentation , Vascular Surgical Procedures/instrumentation , Acute Disease/therapy , Adult , Angiography , Animals , Blood Donors , Carotid Artery, External/pathology , Carotid Artery, External/physiopathology , Carotid Artery, External/surgery , Catheterization/adverse effects , Cerebral Arteries/pathology , Cerebral Arteries/physiopathology , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Intracranial Embolism/pathology , Intracranial Embolism/physiopathology , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Laser Therapy/methods , Male , Pilot Projects , Sus scrofa , Thrombolytic Therapy/adverse effects , Thrombolytic Therapy/methods , Tongue/blood supply , Treatment Outcome , Vascular Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Vascular Surgical Procedures/methods
11.
Huan Jing Ke Xue ; 28(5): 1020-5, 2007 May.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17633173

ABSTRACT

Cement-based S/S of sludge confronted the problems of consuming the large amount of cement and high pH leaching from solidified sludge. This research utilized calcium-bentonite as additive to assist cement-based S/S of sludge. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and leach test were conducted to assess its effect by measuring UCS of the solidified sludge, leaching ratio of heavy metal, COD and pH of leachate from the solidified sludge. The results show that compressive strength of the solidified sludge increases remarkably after adding calcium-bentonite, and when half of cement content of 0.4 (to sludge by weight) is replaced by bentonite, strength of the solidified sludge increases nearly 6 times. Furthermore, volume of the solidified sludge after adding bentonite changes small. With calcium-bentonite adding, leaching Zn, Pb and pH from the solidified sludge appears in a declining trend, zinc and lead leaching ratios decrease from 6.9% to 0.25%, 9.6% to 5% respectively and pH decreases from 12.3 to 12.1. Copper would be leached out as organics dissolve at high pH or natural drying conditions, which increases leaching ratio of copper from sludge. However, bentonite can reduce these bad influences and improve stability of copper stable in the solidified sludge.


Subject(s)
Bentonite/chemistry , Calcium/chemistry , Metals, Heavy/chemistry , Refuse Disposal , Sewage/chemistry , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Soil Pollutants/analysis , Water Pollutants/analysis
12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16966137

ABSTRACT

In order to exploit systems for shock wave therapy, we are working for the development of clinical devices that are based on the concept of shock waves or related phenomena. The paper describes these new therapeutic devices designed for the minimally invasive approach to vascular thromboloysis, selective dissection of tissues, and drug or DNA delivery. To investigate the response of cells to shock loading, a precise method of shock waves generation in space and time has been developed. This method has been studied for application in cardiovascular therapy, cancer treatment, and cranioplasty in close vicinity of the brain. A laser ablation shock wave assisted particle acceleration device has been developed for delivering drug and DNA into soft targets in the human body. The penetration depth of microparticles observed in the experimental targets is believed to be sufficient for pharmacological treatments. In order to achieve an efficient method for rapid revascularization of cerebral thrombosis, a laser induced liquid jet (LILJ) system has been developed. The LILJ has been successfully applied for selective dissection of soft tissue preserving nerve and blood vessels. The system has been further improved by using piezoelectric actuators to drive the liquid jets, as an alternative to pulse laser.


Subject(s)
High-Energy Shock Waves/therapeutic use , Animals , Biomedical Engineering , Dissection/instrumentation , Drug Delivery Systems/instrumentation , Humans , Laser Therapy , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/instrumentation
13.
Gut ; 55(12): 1704-10, 2006 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16709659

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the recent development of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), large oesophageal cancers can be removed with a single procedure, with few limits on the resectable range. However, after aggressive ESD, a major complication that arises is postoperative inflammation and stenosis that can considerably affect the patient's quality of life. AIMS: To examine a novel treatment combining ESD and the endoscopic transplantation of tissue-engineered cell sheets created using autologous oral mucosal epithelial cells, in a clinically relevant large animal model. METHODS: Oral mucosal epithelial cells, harvested from beagle dogs, were cultured under normal conditions at 37 degrees C, on temperature-responsive dishes. After ESD (5 cm in length, 180 degrees in range), cell sheets were harvested by a simple reduction in temperature to 20 degrees C, and transplanted by endoscopy. RESULTS: The transplanted cell sheets were able to adhere to and survive on the underlying muscle layers in the ulcer sites, providing an intact, stratified epithelium. Four weeks after surgery, complete wound healing, with no observable stenosis, was seen in the animals receiving autologous cell sheet transplantation. By contrast, noticeable fibrin mesh and host inflammation, consistent with the intermediate stages of wound healing, were observed in the control animals that received only ESD. CONCLUSIONS: These findings in a clinically relevant canine model show the effectiveness of a novel combined endoscopic approach for the potential treatment of oesophageal cancers that can effectively enhance wound healing and possibly prevent postoperative oesophageal stenosis.


Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , Epithelial Cells/transplantation , Esophageal Diseases/surgery , Mouth Mucosa/cytology , Tissue Engineering/methods , Ulcer/surgery , Animals , Dogs , Esophageal Diseases/pathology , Esophageal Neoplasms/surgery , Esophageal Stenosis/pathology , Esophageal Stenosis/prevention & control , Esophagoscopy/methods , Esophagus/pathology , Esophagus/surgery , Immunohistochemistry/methods , Male , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/methods , Postoperative Complications/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Ulcer/pathology , Wound Healing/physiology
14.
J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) ; 45(3): 231-7, 2004 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15179335

ABSTRACT

The technique of subintimal angioplasty was developed in Leicester, UK in 1987. Recently a growing number of centers in Europe and the United States have been gaining experience with this technique. Promising results have been reported and the application of the technique expanded to include the iliac and crural arteries. Despite this growing experience, the technique has not gained widespread acceptance. It has been speculated that this may be due in large part to a steep learning curve and/or skepticism regarding the procedure given the relatively low primary patency rates seen in most series. However, limb salvage rates from these same and other series have been considerably higher than the patency rates, and advocates of the technique have urged that the results of clinical series be viewed with these limb salvage rates primarily in mind. Although primary patency rates remain low for patients undergoing subintimal angioplasty limb salvage rates remain high. Given the many advantages of this technique, including reduced anesthesia requirements, a minimally invasive approach, and potential reductions in length of stay and cost subintimal angioplasty will continue to have a role in the treatment of lower extremity ischemia. When applied judiciously, bypass options are preserved. This does not mean that the availability of this technique should be used as justification to lower the threshold for the treatment of mild intermittent claudication. When a subintimal angioplasty fails, it frequently does so without the recurrence of symptoms, especially when a gangrenous lesion or ulcer has healed. Various approaches for the performance of subintimal angioplasty and clinical results will be discussed.


Subject(s)
Angioplasty, Balloon/methods , Arterial Occlusive Diseases/therapy , Ischemia/therapy , Lower Extremity/blood supply , Aged , Angiography , Angioplasty, Balloon/adverse effects , Arterial Occlusive Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Female , Femoral Artery , Humans , Ischemia/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Recurrence , Risk Assessment , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome , Tunica Intima , Vascular Patency
16.
Plant Dis ; 88(6): 650-656, 2004 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30812587

ABSTRACT

A reliable method, based on the double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), was developed for the extraction of viruses from soil and optimized for the detection of Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) in soil taken from green pepper (Capsicum annuum) fields. When added to phosphate buffer, Tween 20 increases extraction efficiency and skim milk increases the specificity for PMMoV. Samples positive by DAS-ELISA were verified by inhibition testing using specific anti-PMMoV antibody, immuno-electron microscopy, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and inoculation tests on assay plants. Our system for detecting PMMoV in soil was successfully tested on samples from 22 infected and uninfected fields in Japan. When used before seedlings are planted, this method allows for the prediction of possible damage to cultivated plants by soil-borne PMMoV.

17.
Water Sci Technol ; 48(4): 77-84, 2003.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-14531425

ABSTRACT

This work describes two alkaline semicontinuous processes for the conversion of refractory organic materials into biodegradable substances. Newsprint was used as a lignocellulosic waste. Methane conversion efficiencies and cellulose removals were investigated for the two following processes: alkaline subcritical-water treatment (ASWT) coupled with methane fermentation and alkaline heat treatment (newsprint heated with steam in an autoclave; AHT) coupled with methane fermentation with a neutral subcritical-water treatment (NSWT) recycle. Results showed that for ASWT coupled with methane fermentation higher methane conversion efficiencies and higher cellulose removals were achieved as HRT increased. At HRT = 20 days, average CH4 conversion efficiency and average cellulose removal reached 26% and 44%, respectively. After a final HRT of 40 days, average CH4 conversion efficiency and average cellulose removal reached 50% and 60%, respectively. On the other hand, for AHT coupled with methane fermentation, methane conversion efficiencies did not show a greater improvement using this pretreatment process. Average conversion reached 9% with an average cellulose removal of 20%. In order to improve the yield of the reactor, approximately one-third of the effluent was recycled using NSWT (150 degrees C; neutral pH). Methane conversion efficiency of this process increased as more recycles were performed. For the fifth operation, the total average methane conversion efficiency was 44% with a total average cellulose removal of 55%.


Subject(s)
Bioreactors , Paper , Refuse Disposal/methods , Bacteria, Anaerobic , Biodegradation, Environmental , Cellulose/metabolism , Fermentation , Hot Temperature , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Methane/analysis , Methane/chemistry
18.
J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) ; 44(3): 459-64, 2003 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12833001

ABSTRACT

AIM: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) larger than 5.5 cm should generally undergo elective repair. However, some of these patients have serious comorbid conditions, which greatly increase operative risk. This study evaluated the outcomes of nonoperative, observational management and selective delayed AAA repair in high-risk patients with large infrarenal and pararenal AAAs. METHODS: Among 226 patients with AAAs >5.5 cm, we selected 72 with AAAs 5.6-12.0 cm (mean 7.0 cm) for periods of nonoperative management because of their prohibitive surgical risks. Comorbid factors included a low ejection fraction of 15-34% (mean 22%) in 18 patients; FEV1 <50% (mean 38%) in 25; prior laparotomy in 10; and morbid obesity in 22. Follow-up was complete in the 72 patients for the 6-76 months (mean 23 months) that they were treated nonoperatively. Fifty-three patients ultimately underwent repair because of AAA enlargement or onset of symptoms after 6-72 months (mean 19 months) of observational treatment. RESULTS: Of the 72 selected patients, 54 (75%) are living and 18 (25%) are dead. Seven patients undergoing only nonoperative treatment presently survive after 28-76 months (mean 48 months). Of the 18 deaths, AAA rupture occurred in only 3 patients (4%) who had been observed for 12, 31, and 72 months before rupture. Nine other deaths (13%) occurred after 6-72 months from comorbidities unrelated to the patient's AAA. Six of the 53 patients undergoing delayed AAA repair died within 30 days of operation (11% mortality). The mortality for the 154 good risk AAA patients, who underwent prompt open or endovascular repair, was 2.2%. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that some patients with large AAAs and serious comorbidities are acceptably managed for long periods (6-76 months) by nonoperative means. Substantial delays of 12 to 76 months resulted in an AAA rupture rate of only 4%, while 13% of these patients (9 of 72) died of their comorbidities unrelated to AAA rupture or surgery and mortality in this group of patients, when operated on, was 11% (6 of 53). These findings support the selective use of nonoperative observational management in some patients with large AAAs and serious comorbidities.


Subject(s)
Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/therapy , Cardiac Output, Low/therapy , Obesity/therapy , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/therapy , Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/complications , Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/mortality , Aortic Rupture/mortality , Cardiac Output, Low/complications , Cardiac Output, Low/mortality , Cause of Death , Comorbidity , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Life Tables , Obesity/complications , Obesity/mortality , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/complications , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/mortality , Risk , Survival Rate
20.
J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) ; 43(3): 369-78, 2002 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12055569

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ruptured abdominal aortoiliac aneurysms (RAAAs) carry a high mortality when treated by open surgical repair. Since 1994, we have employed endovascular approaches to treat this entity. METHODS: Patients with presumed RAAAs were treated with restricted fluid resuscitation (hypotensive hemostasis), rapid transport to the operating room, placement of a transbrachial or transfemoral guidewire under local anesthesia, and urgent arteriography. In patients with suitable anatomy, endovascular graft repair was performed. If the anatomy was unsuitable, standard open repair was performed. If the patient had circulatory collapse, proximal balloon control was employed. RESULTS: Of 31 patients managed in this fashion, 25 underwent endovascular graft repair. Six required open repair. Total operative mortality was 9.7% (3 patients). Only 10 patients required proximal balloon aortic control. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular techniques (proximal balloon control and endografts) may improve treatment outcomes for RAAAs. Restricted resuscitation (hypotensive hemostasis) can be effective in the RAAA setting.


Subject(s)
Aneurysm, Ruptured/surgery , Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/surgery , Aortic Rupture/surgery , Iliac Aneurysm/surgery , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation , Equipment Design , Hemostatic Techniques , Humans , Resuscitation , Stents , Vascular Surgical Procedures/methods
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