Evaluation of overland flow model for a hillslope using laboratory flume data

Comprehensive modelling of overland flow requires models for both rill and interrill area overland flow. Evaluation of a physically based mathematical model for simulating overland flow generated on rill and interrill areas of hillslope was done using a data set gathered from a laboratory experimental setup. A rainfall simulator has been constructed together with a 6.50 m × 1.36 m erosion flume that can be given adjustable slopes in both longitudinal and lateral directions. The model was calibrated and validated using the experimental results from the setup of the flume having 5% lateral and 10% longitudinal slopes where rainfall intensities of 105 and 45 mm/hr were induced with the use of nozzles. Results show that for the given slope combination, the model was capable of simulating the flow coming from the rill and interrill areas for the two different rainfall intensities. It was found that significantly more of the flow occurred in the form of the rill flow. The model studied here can be used for the better prediction of overland flow and can also be used as a building block for an associated erosion and sediment transport model.

[Total wrist fusion with vascularized fibula graft after tumor resection of the distal radius]

OBJECTIVE

Total tumor resection and defect resconstruction by vascularized fibula graft and total wrist fusion.

INDICATIONS

Primary extended bone tumors of the distal radius.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Tumor infiltration of the whole carpus or of the neurovascular structures.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

En bloc resection of the tumor including the biopsy scar. Raising of a microvascular fibula graft including the peroneal vessels. Defect reconstruction using the fibula and stabilization of the total wrist fusion with a locking compression plate (LCP).

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Functional therapy of the fingers is possible, below elbow cast for 6 weeks. Weight bearing after 12 weeks according to bone healing.

RESULTS

The operation technique described for preservation of the extremity in primary extended bone tumors of the distal radius was performed in our clinic in 2 patients since 2009. Tumor-free and pain-free hand function was found at the 2.5-year follow-up examinations. The patients had free range of motion of the fingers and preserved sensorimotor function. The MSTS (Musculoskeletal Tumour Society) scores by Enneking were 80% and 70%.

The 'difficult' polyp: pitfalls for endoscopic removal

Adenomatous polyps are early neoplasias of colorectal cancer (adenoma-carcinoma sequence). The majority of adenomas or early invasive cancers (T1sm1) can be resected by endoscopy. Endoscopic resection techniques include classic loop polypectomy, endoscopic mucosectomy with preceding lifting of the (almost flat) lesion, endoscopic submucosal dissection and transanal microsurgical resection, an alternative to endoscopic submucosal dissection in the rectum. Endoscopic polyp removal should always aim to resect the lesion in 'one piece' and avoid, whenever possible, 'piecemeal resection'. One-piece polypectomy is the basis for a precise histopathological analysis and for proving complete removal of the lesion. Preceding injection of saline solution into the submucosa to lift the targeted polyp is a therapeutic modality to remove even-flat and flat-depressed adenomas. In addition, a positive lifting sign is regarded as a criterion of lower superficial malignancy. Lifting of a polyp can be negatively influenced by an already advanced cancer (T1sm3/T2) in the deep parts of the submucosa as well as by scars and connective tissue in the upper two layers of the colorectal wall. Hence, a negative lifting sign may lead to incorrect macroscopic evaluation of the lesion before removal. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is mostly performed in large laterally spreading tumors in the rectum and in the preanal region. The technique has a relatively long learning curve and is somewhat time consuming. A 'difficult polyp' may be characterized by: (1) the size (>3 cm), pedunculated or sessile (Ip/Is); (2) morphological type (classification of Paris 2003), in particular the flat type II lesions IIa-c flat, flat depressed; laterally spreading tumors and the large sessile-serrated lesions; and (3) the difficult assessment of the grade of malignancy before removal [e.g. dysplasia-associated lesions or masses (DALMs), sporadic adenoma, colitis carcinoma]. Chromoendoscopy (with indigo carmine) represents an adequate method to differentiate advanced flat and depressed type II lesions from those with lower malignancy, and to better identify DALMs and sporadic adenomas in patients with long-lasting ulcerative colitis. To reduce the risk of resection (hemorrhage 0-6%, perforation 0.2%; Munich Polyp Study 2005) the application of hemoclips to visible vessels or injection of adrenaline (1:10,000) in the polyp stalk before removal are methods to prevent bleeding. In case of immediate bleeding, the treatment with hemoclips, injection (adrenaline or fibrin sealant) or endoloops are efficacious to manage this problem. Small perforations can be treated at once by the application of hemoclips, or, in case of larger or difficult leakages by Ovesco clips to avoid surgical interventions.

Radio frequency charge parity meter

We demonstrate a total charge parity measurement by detecting the radio frequency signal that is reflected by a lumped-element resonator coupled to a single InAs nanowire double quantum dot. The high frequency response of the circuit is used to probe the effects of the Pauli exclusion principle at interdot charge transitions. Even parity charge transitions show a striking magnetic field dependence that is due to a singlet-triplet transition, while odd parity transitions are relatively insensitive to a magnetic field. The measured response agrees well with cavity input-output theory, allowing accurate measurements of the interdot tunnel coupling and the resonator-charge coupling rate g(c)/2π~17 MHz.

Rapamycin-induced apoptosis is p53-independent in human prostate carcinoma PC-3 cells

We have investigated the mechanisms of rapamycin-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in the PC-3 prostate carcinoma cell line. Rapamycin induced apoptosis as well as the expression of p21(waf1) mRNA and protein, independent of p53. Rapamycin treatment also resulted in: a decrease in cdk2 kinase activity; an increase in hypophosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pRb); a dephosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase; and, growth-arrest in G(1)-phase of cell cycle. These data suggest that rapamycin-induced growth arrest and apoptosis occur through the p53-independent induction of p21(waf1). Since this induction occurred soon after rapamycin treatment, possibly, the early induction of p21(waf1) and G(1)-arrest are important components of the mechanism by which rapamycin induces apoptosis in PC-3 cells.

High frequency failure of the Moje thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is one of several options for treating symptomatic osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. There are various hemi- and total arthroplasties available on the market. We report our experience of treating 12 patients with the Moje Acamo CMC1 prosthesis. We reviewed all the patients at a mean of 50 months postoperatively. All patients presented with loosening, migration or tilting of one or both implant components. Nine patients were symptomatic enough to warrant revision surgery with removal of the implant leaving a pseudarthrosis. At the last follow-up, five patients (42%) had already received revision surgery. All patients still possessing an implant showed progressive signs of implant loosening, although some of them had no symptoms. In order to assess their overall disadvantage compared with patients treated by primary trapeziectomy, the outcomes of these two groups were compared (matched pairs). The outcomes after revision surgery were comparable with those of primary trapeziectomy. We no longer use the Moje Acamo CMC1 implant and recommend that patients who have received this implant should be monitored carefully both clinically and radiologically.

The DNA methylation landscape of small cell lung cancer suggests a differentiation defect of neuroendocrine cells

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a disease characterized by aggressive clinical behavior and lack of effective therapy. Owing to its tendency for early dissemination, only a third of patients have limited-stage disease at the time of diagnosis. SCLC is thought to derive from pulmonary neuroendocrine cells. Although several molecular abnormalities in SCLC have been described, there are relatively few studies on epigenetic alterations in this type of tumor. Here, we have used methylation profiling with the methylated-CpG island recovery assay in combination with microarrays and conducted the first genome-scale analysis of methylation changes that occur in primary SCLC and SCLC cell lines. Among the hundreds of tumor-specifically methylated genes discovered, we identified 73 gene targets that are methylated in >77% of primary SCLC tumors, most of which have never been linked to aberrant methylation in tumors. These methylated targets have potential for biomarker development for early detection and therapeutic management of SCLC. SCLC cell lines had a greater number of hypermethylated genes than primary tumors. Gene ontology analysis indicated a significant enrichment of methylated genes functioning as transcription factors and in processes of neuronal differentiation. Motif analysis of tumor-specific methylated regions identified enrichment of binding sites for several neural cell fate-specifying transcription factors including NEUROD1, HAND1, ZNF423 and REST. We hypothesize that two potential mechanisms, loss of cell fate-determining transcription factors by methylation of their promoters and functional inactivation of their corresponding genomic-binding sites by DNA methylation, can promote a differentiation defect of neuroendocrine cells thus enhancing the ability of tumor progenitor cells to transition toward SCLC.

[Robotic single site surgery: current practice and future developments]

Robotic surgery has been gaining increasing acceptance for several years now, establishing itself with success in all the surgical fields. Besides, since the introduction of single site surgery, the interest for the robotic technology is more than obvious, offering technical possibilities to overcome the natural limitations of laparoscopy. This article reviews the different devices available and the indications of robotic single site surgery. Moreover, the future developments of this new technology are discussed as well.

Robotic pancreatic resection: how far can we go?

Minimally invasive pancreatic resection remains one of the most challenging abdominal procedures. A wide diffusion of the laparoscopic approach for pancreatic resection is still waited. However, interest is growing since the introduction of robotics in this field and many reports have been published so far. Distal pancreatectomy with or without spleen-preservation, pancreaticoduodenectomy, total and middle pancreatectomy and even extended resections or reconstructions have been reported with good outcomes. This review reports and evaluates the robotic approach for such advanced pancreatic resections. While complex pancreatic resections are feasible and safe by a robotic approach, it is still very early to draw definitive conclusions. Further randomized and controlled studies are required to support a routine use of the robotic technology for pancreatic resection.

Field tuning the g factor in InAs nanowire double quantum dots

We study the effects of magnetic and electric fields on the g factors of spins confined in a two-electron InAs nanowire double quantum dot. Spin sensitive measurements are performed by monitoring the leakage current in the Pauli blockade regime. Rotations of single spins are driven using electric-dipole spin resonance. The g factors are extracted from the spin resonance condition as a function of the magnetic field direction, allowing determination of the full g tensor. Electric and magnetic field tuning can be used to maximize the g-factor difference and in some cases altogether quench the electric-dipole spin resonance response, allowing selective single spin control.

Use of a Monte-Carlo Code to Determine in High Z Semi-Conductor CdTe and CZT, Both Carriers Lifetimes and Mobilities

This paper deals with a comparison between experimental gamma-ray spectra recorded with CdTe and CdZnTe detectors and a Monte Carlo code simulating the spectrum, in order to extract realistic values of the transport properties of both electrons and holes in these materials. In a second section, these values are compared to that obtained by others using other methods, in order to evaluate the accuracy of the various experimental procedures.

Application of Western patients-based Adjuvant! Online (AOL) model on Korean colon cancer patients

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Background: Adjuvant! Online (AOL) is a web-accessible risk-assessment model that predicts the mortality and the benefits of adjuvant therapy ( www.adjuvantonline.org ). AOL has never been validated for Asian colon cancer patients.

Methods: Using the Yonsei Tumor Registry (YTR) database, we calculated the survival for the patients with T1-4, N0-2, M0 colon cancer who were treated at the Yonsei Cancer Center between 1990 and 2005. Observed and predicted 5-year survival was compared for each patient.

Results: The median age of the study population was 60 years (range, 15-87 years) and the median follow-up duration was 7.9 years (range, 0.06-19.8 years) for all 1,431 patients. While AOL underestimate overall survival (OS) (predicted-observed=-1.02%, P=0.008), it overestimate colon cancer-specific survival (CCSS) (predicted-observed=3.8%, P<0.001) in Korean patients. Especially, AOL underestimated OS and CCSS in younger patients than age 50 years (predicted-observed=-4.3%, P<0.001 and predicted-observed=-3.5%, P<0.001, respectively). We conducted an internal model validation by using a Korean version of AOL (KAOL), which was a new model for prognosis based on AOL's parameters. 5-year OS and CCSS between the observed and the KAOL predicted survival were not different (77.25 vs. 77.15, P=0.873 and 77.4% vs. 77.6%, P=0.78, respectively). The concordance indexes about OS and CCSS were 0.75 and 0.74, respectively.

Conclusions: KAOL model for Korean colon cancer patients is more suitable to predict 5-year outcomes compared to ALO model for Western patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Use of class III beta tubulin to predict efficacy from paclitaxel- or docetaxel-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer

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Background: To predict clinical outcome in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) received paclitaxel or docetaxel based chemotherapy, we evaluated expression of class III beta tubulin (bTubIII).

Methods: Expression of bTubIII was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors from the primary gastric cancer. Tumors were classified as bTubIII “low” and “high” according to median of IHC score [intensity (0-3) × portion (0-100)]. The expression of bTubIII was investigated for their association with clinical outcomes of efficacy and toxicity.

Results: One hundred twenty-four AGC pts who were treated with paclitaxel or docetaxel combined with an infusional 5-fluorouracil and low-dose leucovorin as first and second-line palliative chemotherapy were enrolled. Thirty-three patients (26.7%) were confirmed to have high expression of bTubIII. The patients with high expression of bTubIII showed higher disease control rate (DCR) and longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those with low expression in patients treated with paclitaxel (79.3 % vs. 57.3 %, p = 0.039, and 3.0 months vs. 1.5 months, p = 0.073). By contrast, there was no difference of DCR and PFS according to expression of bTubIII in patients treated with docetaxel. The expression of bTubIII was not associated with toxicity in both patients treated with paclitaxel or docetaxel.

Conclusions: The expression of bTubIII may be a predictive marker in AGC patients received paclitaxel based chemotherapy, but not docetaxel.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Combining radiation therapy with interstitial radiation-inducible TNF-α expression for locoregional cancer treatment

Brachytherapy (BRT) is used in the treatment of human cancers, including the cervix, breast, prostate and head and neck cancers. The primary advantage of BRT lies in the spatial conformation of the radiation deposition. Previously, we have shown that similar techniques (using hollow metallic cylinders) may be used to deliver gene-therapy vectors capable of expressing the radiation-sensitizing cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, within a restricted volume of tissue. Herein, we report radiation sensitization of cancer cells using a TNF-α expressing vector driven by the radiation-inducible immediate-early gene-1 (IEX-1) promoter (pIEX-TNF-α). TNF-α, determined by ELISA assays using culture medium, increased between 5 and 10 fold, 48 h following exposure to radiation, and radiation sensitization was comparable with that observed in cells in which TNF-α was constitutively expressed under cytomegalo viral (CMV) promoter using the plasmid vector (pCMV-TNF-α). This efficiency of induced TNF-α radiation sensitization was also observed in cervix (SW756) and prostate tumor (PC-3) xenograft models. IEX-1-driven TNF-α expression following external radiation exposure resulted in enhanced regression of tumor xenografts as compared with radiation alone. A feasibility of using radioactive Pd-103 seeds with GeneSeeds was further examined using PC-3 xenograft models. The data showed substantial tumor growth suppression following co-implantation with a metal seed containing Pd-103. Taken together, these results show the enhanced effect on tumor regression by treatment with radiation-inducible TNF-α expression in combination with radiation and support for the IEX-1 promoter as a useful regulator for temporal activation of radiation-sensitizing gene expression.

Soil respiration at mean annual temperature predicts annual total across vegetation types and biomes

Soil respiration (SR) constitutes the largest flux of CO(2) from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere. However, there still exist considerable uncertainties as to its actual magnitude, as well as its spatial and interannual variability. Based on a reanalysis and synthesis of 80 site-years for 57 forests, plantations, savannas, shrublands and grasslands from boreal to tropical climates we present evidence that total annual SR is closely related to SR at mean annual soil temperature (SR(MAT)), irrespective of the type of ecosystem and biome. This is theoretically expected for non water-limited ecosystems within most of the globally occurring range of annual temperature variability and sensitivity (Q(10)). We further show that for seasonally dry sites where annual precipitation (P) is lower than potential evapotranspiration (PET), annual SR can be predicted from wet season SR(MAT) corrected for a factor related to P/PET. Our finding indicates that it can be sufficient to measure SR(MAT) for obtaining a well constrained estimate of its annual total. This should substantially increase our capacity for assessing the spatial distribution of soil CO(2) emissions across ecosystems, landscapes and regions, and thereby contribute to improving the spatial resolution of a major component of the global carbon cycle.

Topical calcitriol restores the impairment of epidermal permeability and antimicrobial barriers induced by corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

The active form of vitamin D(3) , calcitriol, is widely used for the treatment of psoriasis, with or without topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids are known to disrupt permeability and antimicrobial barriers, even with short-term use. Yet, the effect of topical calcitriol on epidermal permeability and antimicrobial barriers disrupted by topical corticosteroids has not been determined.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of calcitriol on epidermal permeability and antimicrobial barrier function that has been impaired by corticosteroids, as well as to elucidate the mechanism of improvement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Topical calcitriol or the control vehicle was applied to each flank of hairless mice 20 min after treatment with topical clobetasol propionate and repeated every 12 h for 3·5 days. Barrier function assessment, Nile red staining, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies were performed 24 h after the last application.

RESULTS

Epidermis co-treated with topical calcitriol showed an improvement of stratum corneum integrity and barrier recovery, more intense fluorescence staining with Nile red, and an increase in lamellar body (LB) maturation and density, as well as upregulation of major epidermal lipid synthesis-related enzymes (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA, serine-palmitoyl transferase and fatty acid synthase), mouse beta-defensin 3, cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide and vitamin D receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that topical calcitriol restored both the epidermal permeability and antimicrobial barrier that had been impaired by corticosteroids. This restoration was mediated by both an activation of the cutaneous vitamin D pathway and an increase of epidermal lipids and antimicrobial peptides, promoted by the formation of the LB and the activity of epidermal lipid synthesis-related enzymes.