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This research was conducted in the College of Agricultural Sciences Engineering, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan region/Iraq, to study the possibility of propagation of pistachio Pistacia vera cv. Batoury by air layering through treating the girdling wounds with IBA, and spray of layered shoots with IBA and GA3. The experiment was laid out by RCBD design with three replications on six trees. 20000 ppm IBA applied to the girdling wounds of layered shoots gave values of rooting percentage (63%), root number (4.6), root length (5.7 cm) and survival percentage (80%), while control gave no rooting. The rooting percentage of (33.4%) was achieved from layered shoots without spray and from those sprayed by 25 and 50 ppm IBA. A survival percentage of (50%) was achieved from layered shoots sprayed by 25, 50 ppm IBA and 30 ppm GA3. Interaction of 20000 ppm IBA treatment of girdling wound with 25 and 50 ppm IBA spray of layered shoots and without spray gave (70%) rooting percentage. 20000 ppm IBA treatment of girdling wound with spray of layered shoots by 25, 50 ppm IBA and 30 ppm GA3 showed the highest (100%) survival percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in order to determine the effect of auxin treatments on the rooting of two Malpighia species (semeruco), through the air layering technique. Air layers were made on branches of M. glabra and M. emarginata and then eight auxin treatments were applied (AT): 0, 2 000, 4 000 and 6 000 mg kg-1 of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and of indole butyric acid (IBA). A completely randomized design was used, with factorial arrangement and six repetitions. After seven weeks the percentage of rooted layers (PRL), percentage of live layers (PLL), number of roots per layer (NR) and length of the longest root (RL), were evaluated. No interaction of the studied factors (species by AT) was found. There were no significant differences either between the species in the evaluated variables. With the doses of 4 000 and 6 000 mg kg-1 the highest PRL were found (85,2 and 87,5 %, respectively), as well as the highest NR and RL, without differing significantly between them. Good rooting was also obtained (62,5-64,0 %) with the AT of 0 mg kg-1 (control), which differed significantly from the other treatments. The propagation of the two species through the air layering technique was achieved by the application of 4 000 and 6 000 mg kg-1 of NAA and IBA, which produced the best rooting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of quality seedlings is important for the crop cycle and the main propagation type is by the air layering technique, which can be enhanced by using different substrates and plant growth regulators. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a biostimulant and substrate types in the propagation of litchi tree by air layering. The experiment was installed in a commercial area in the city of Mogi Mirim, SP, Brazil and conducted in a randomized block design with a 5×2 factorial with four replications. The treatments consisted of five Stimulate® biostimulant concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 ml L-1) and two substrate types (Plantmax® and earthworm humus). After 120 days, the root length (cm), number of roots, calloused and rooted layers percentage (%), root fresh and dry mass (g) and root volume (cm3) were evaluated. Based on the results, it was found that the concentrations of 6.1 and 6.9 ml L-1 promoted greater success in litchi tree propagation and that the layers can be produced on both evaluated substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosopis laevigatais commonly known in Mexico as mesquite, and it is mostly found in the Central Mexican States. Mesquite has been driven to scarcity because the local population has used it for different purposes. Therefore, efficient, inexpensive, and reliable propagation methods are an aim to preserve and increase the mesquite resources. Air layering (treatment applied to young 1–1.2 m-long and 1.0–1.5.0 cm-wide branches) and tiny-air layering (applied to young 25–30 cm-long and 0.3–0.5 cm-wide branches) were investigated as asexual mesquite propagation methods. IBA (100, 250, and 500 mg l−1); NAA (50, 100, and 250 mg l−1); IAA (100, 250, and 500 mg l−1); and 2,4-D (100 and 1000 mg l−1) were used for the air layering method, whereas for the tiny-air layering protocol IBA (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg l−1) alone or combined with Chrysal were utilized. The highest response (90%) of air layerings was obtained with 500 mg l−1IBA, having an average number of 1,785 roots per layering. For the tiny-air layering method, the best treatment was 3.0 mg l−1IBA + Chrysal, which induced 90% of rooting, with an average number of 31.8 roots per layering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the propagation by cutting and layering by 'Boysenberry' (hybrid between 'Marionberry' e framboesa), the objective of the present study was to quantify the rizogenic potential of stems cuttings storage at cold temperature and treated with indolbutyric acid and the point layering of this hybrid. In the first experiment, the stems cuttings of 15cm of length were treated with different concentrations of indolbutyric acid (IBA): 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000mg L-1 for 10 seconds, and control only for water. In the second experiment, the stems cuttings of 'Boysenberry' were cold storage by 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days, and control without storage. In both experiments, the stems cuttings were buried 2/3 of its length in the vertical position, using the vermiculita as substrate, in greenhouse with 50% of light. After 60 days, the rooting and sprouting percentage and the number of roots were evaluated. In the third experiment, the point layering were accomplished in the apical portion of the branches, being applied different concentrations of IBA (0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000mg L-1) and soon after, they were buried in plastic boxes containing humidified pinus substrate. After 45 days they were removed for evaluation. It can be concluded that the stems cuttings should be stored at cold for 20 days and without IBA; the point layering promoted larger emission of roots when they were treated with 4000mg L-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GORE Excluder stent-graft is one of the currently available devices approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in endovascular aortic repair. Recently, a new delivery system modification has been applied to the Excluder device which allows repositioning of the stent-graft to adjust for accurate proximal landing and facilitate gate cannulation. In this review, we examine the Excluder device with the new C3 delivery system and its potential benefit in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential to propagate Uapaca kirkiana through air layering was investigated at Igumbilo forest, Tanzania. The objective was to determine the effect of time of setting air layers and use of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) to promote rooting. Air layers were initiated on young shoots, 1-to 2-years old, growing on mature trees. After root initiation, they were detached, potted and reared at the nursery for a further three months. Thereafter they were harvested and assessed. Two factors were investigated: effect of time at which air layers were initiated (June, September and December), and influence of IBA at 50, 100 and 150 mg l−1concentrations. Varied rooting successes were realised, being influenced by time at which air layers were initiated, IBA concentration or both. Optimal rooting of 82.5% was realised in June-initiated air layers treated with 50 mg l−1 IBA. Air layers initiated in December and treated with the control had the poorest rooting (46.7%). Application of 100 mg l−1 IBA during June significantly improved the number of roots, root length and root biomass produced. The increase in rooting ability during June is partly linked to better nutritive status, since most plants at this time have sufficient food reserves acquired during the active photosynthetic rainy period of January–May. The period is also associated with minimal plant developmental activities such as budding and flushing, which are usually antagonistic to rooting. Thus, air layering is a potential technique to propagate U. kirkiana, and can contribute effectively to capture desirable traits rapidly disappearing because of ongoing deforestation and maintain the desired fruit tree attributes once attained. Further studies are recommended to determine its cost effectiveness in relation to other vegetative techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of fruit species are propagated by vegetative methods such as budding, grating, cutting, suckering, layering etc. to avoid heterozygocity. Carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua L.) are of highly economical value and are among the most diicult to propagate fruit species. In the study, air-layering propagation method was investigated first time to compare wild and cultivated ('Sisam') carob types. In the experiment, one year old carob limbs were air-layered on coco peat medium by wrapping with aluminum foil and polyethylene film. Initial roots were observed after three months of treatment and the well rooted limbs were cut-of after six months of treatment. Root length, diameter, and the number of roots were recorded on treated shoots and the rooted shoots were transferred into soil. As a result, it has been found that air-layering is successful in carob. his method is more labor intensive and thus it is recommend the method only for genetically important carob types propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The boreal forest of higher latitudes constitutes a reservoir of trees of great ecological importance and unknown economic potential, but the stand dynamics in these regions still remain essentially unexplored. This paper examines the change in age and size structures during stand development on the northern border of the natural closed boreal forest in Quebec, Canada. Height, diameter, and age of trees were measured in 18 plots with stand ages between 77 and 340 years. The occurrence, size, and origin (layer or seed) of seedlings and saplings were assessed in subplots. Tree density ranged from 600 to 3750 trees·ha–1. Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP was the dominant species, mainly originating by layering. A cluster analysis segregated plots into even-aged and uneven-aged stands according to tree age, but size distribution of trees, saplings, and seedlings did not differ statistically between the two groups. Even-aged stands exhibited a 60% probability of assuming an uneven-aged structure between 120 and 200 years after stand initiation. At high latitudes, the closed boreal forest of P. mariana appears homogeneously sized, with similar distributions of diameter and height across all stages of stand development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, polymer/polymer composite insulating systems have been widely used in high-voltage equipment and power cables. Such composite insulating systems always have an interface between two polymeric insulating materials. This interface may cause partial discharge and electrical treeing under high electric stresses. The electrical properties of this polymer/polymer interface have not yet been fully understood. It has been shown that the propagation characteristics of electrical trees in polymer/polymer composite insulating materials considerably vary depending on the combination of polymers. It has also been shown that a cavity or a thin gas layer generates near the polymer barrier molded in the base polymer, by the pressure of decomposing gas occurring in the tree channels during AC tree extension. In this study, we will investigate the three-dimensional simulated tree utilizing a three-layer model considering a thin gas layer on a barrier based on a DBM model with growth probability. The results show that the critical fields of air layer are related to the easiness of tree propagation in the air layer. Moreover, it is suggested that the three-layer model is more effective than the two-layer model when the tree propagation is discussed in detail. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(3): 1–9, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20808 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of age and conservation of the IBA hormone and their relation to procedures of performing airlayers on quality of 4" and 6" Dracaena marginata roots were evaluated using a 4×3 factorial design. The factors were human labor and conservation of hormone. Logistic regression was used to predict probability of long roots, probability of single circumference of roots and exportability. interactions between the effect of human labor and the effect of hormone levels on these three responses, can increase the cost up to 240% and suggest quality and exportability can increase if procedures are standardized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Almost a third of patients who undergo peripheral bypass procedures do not have suitable veins, making the use of prosthetic materials necessary. Prosthetic materials can cause platelet adhesion and activation of the coagulation cascade on the graft. One potential strategy to reduce this thrombogenicity is to covalently bind heparin to the endoluminal surface of grafts. This human in vivo study examined systemic effects of the endoluminal heparin and addressed whether graft implantation results in (1) a measurable reduction of systemic markers of hemostasis activation compared with control grafts and (2) antibody formation against heparin, potentially responsible for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Methods: The study included 20 patients undergoing femoropopliteal bypass grafting, of whom 10 received a standard Gore-Tex Thin Walled Stretch Vascular Graft (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) and 10 received a heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft (Gore-Tex Propaten Vascular Graft). Blood samples were drawn before and directly after the operation and at days 1, 3, 5, and week 6 after surgery. Established markers of in vivo activation of platelets and blood coagulation (prothrombin fragment 1+2, fibrinopeptide A, soluble glycoprotein V, thrombin-antithrombin complexes, and D-dimers) were measured using standard commercially available techniques. Antiplatelet factor 4/heparin antibody titers were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and platelet counts were determined. Results: No statistical differences were observed in any of the markers of in vivo activation of platelets and blood coagulation between patients receiving Propaten or control ePTFE. Moreover, no antibodies against heparin could be demonstrated up to 6 weeks after implantation. Conclusions: No measurable effect of heparin immobilization on systemic markers of hemostasis was found using a heparin-bonded ePTFE graft in vivo. Also, no antibodies against heparin could be detected up to 6 weeks after implantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mobile thrombus of the thoracic aorta is an uncommon pathology with potentially catastrophic complications. Recurrent spontaneous distal embolization may also occur from an ulcerated thrombus of the abdominal aorta. The simultaneous presence of a mobile thrombus in the thoracic aorta and ulcerated thrombus of the abdominal aorta is extremely rare and poses a significant treatment dilemma. Although various approaches have been reported, there is no standard treatment. Direct replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta is extremely morbid, while continued embolization despite anticoagulation mandate intervention. We herein present the first case report of successful treatment of symptomatic mobile/ulcerated thrombi of the thoracic and abdominal aorta using staged endovascular stent graft repair. Successful treatment of the thoracic component with a thoracic aortic graft (TAG, Gore-Tex, W. L. Gore & Assoc., Flagstaff, Ariz.) was followed one week later by exclusion of the infrarenal aortic lesion with a bifurcated stent graft. Endovascular stent graft exclusion of mobile/ulcerated thoracic and abdominal aortic thrombi is a minimal invasive operation. It can be employed as an alternative procedure in treatment of aortic thrombus with embolization in high risk patients. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to assess the durability of this technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We previously reported that monodisperse silica particles (SiPs) afforded with a high-density brush of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and suspended in a good solvent for PMMA formed a colloidal crystal in a certain concentration range (Macromolecules2006, 39, 1245). Here we investigated similar hybrid particles with respect to the influence of graft chain length Lcon their hydrodynamic diameter Dhin dilute suspension and on colloidal crystallization in more concentrated suspension. The average radius r0of SiPs was 65 nm, and the surface density 0of PMMA grafts at the SiP surface was about 0.7 chains/nm2(about 36 000 chains per particle). The hydrodynamic thickness of the swollen brush layer h(Dh/2 − r0) was qualitatively interpretable by a modified Daoud−Cotton-type scaling model. Namely, for short graft chains, hobeyed the universal relation, h1 (h/2r0) ∼ Lc012, applicable to concentrated polymer brusheson flat as well as spherical surfaces, and for chains longer than a critical length, hshowed positive deviations from this linear relation, indicating the brush layer getting into the semidilute polymer brushregime. Suspensions of the hybrid particles showed a phase transition from a (disordered) fluid to a fully crystallized system with a narrow fluid/crystal coexisting regime. The critical concentration of crystallization (melting point) decreased with increasing graft chain length, and the nearest-neighbor interparticle distance Ddisin the crystal approached to a micrometer scale as the graft molecular weight reached 500 000. Good correlation was observed between Dhand Ddissuch that Ddis(1.15 ± 0.05)Dh. Confocal laser scanning microscopic observation suggested that the colloidal crystal generally include both hexagonal close-packed (hcp) and face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice arrangements with the fcc arrangement likely to increase with increasing chain length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study concerns the investigation of the effect of reaction conditions on the radiation-induced grafting of styrene into poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) base film. Grafting was obtained by the pre-irradiation method, using styrene in isopropanol/water mixture. The influence of irradiation and reaction conditions, such as irradiation dose, monomer concentration, water content of the grafting solution and reaction temperature on the grafting yield was investigated. The grafting kinetics in terms of initial polymerization rate (r p0), radical recombination rate (γ) and delay time (t 0) was evaluated. It was found that the rate and the extent of grafting were strongly dependent on the grafting conditions. The order of dependence of the rate of grafting was found to be 0.46, 1.5 and 0.62 for pre-irradiation dose, monomer concentration and water content in the grafting mixture, respectively. The activation energy was determined to be 98.4kJ/mol for the temperature range of 50–80°C. The use of kinetic equations for the polymerization gives a useful description of the grafting process. It was determined that the initial polymerization rate and the radical recombination rate vary significantly with reaction conditions. The delay time is dependent mainly on irradiation dose and to some extent on monomer concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Binary graft copolymerization of pH sensitive acrylic acid (AAc) and thermosensitive N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomers onto pre-irradiated polypropylene films (PP) was carried out by two individual steps using a Co60 gamma radiation source. The influence of preparation conditions, such as pre-irradiation dose and reaction time on grafting yield was studied. The swelling behavior and FTIR-ATR study for PP films grafted films were investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The invention of robotic systems has begun a new era of endoscopic cardiac surgery. Reports on totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting are limited, however, and data regarding feasibility, safety, and efficacy are needed to determine this technique’s position in the therapeutic armamentarium. This study describes the largest multicenter experience in the literature with robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting specifically addressing procedural feasibility, safety, and efficacy. Methods: Between September 1998 and November 2002, a total of 228 patients with coronary artery disease were scheduled for totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting with the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc, Sunnyvale, Calif.) at five European institutions. Patients underwent totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting with either an on-pump (group A, n = 117) or an off-pump approach (group B, n = 111). Patients underwent postoperative angiography or stress electrocardiography and were followed up for 6 months. Results: Procedural feasibility was demonstrated through the completion of 164 successful totally endoscopic cases. Sixty-four patients (group C, 28%) had conversion to nonrobotic procedures. Conversion rates decreased with time. The overall procedural efficacy, as defined by angiographic patency or lack of ischemic signs on stress electrocardiography, was 97%. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events within 6 months was 5%. Conclusion: Both on- and off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting are feasible, with a conversion rate that diminishes with increasing experience. Conversion does not adversely affect outcome and thus constitutes a safe alternative. Although target vessel reintervention may be slightly higher than that reported for open coronary artery bypass grafting, graft patency and major adverse cardiac events for both approaches are comparable to those reported in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: After single lung transplantation for emphysema, the volume of the graft at total lung capacity is usually less than its predicted volume in the donor. We sought to determine the contributions of donor–recipient size matching, postoperative native lung hyperinflation, and postoperative chest wall volume reduction to graft restriction after transplantation. Methods: In 19 patients, we estimated individual lung volumes from thoracic computed tomographs taken near total lung capacity before and after single lung transplantation for emphysema to analyze sources of graft restriction. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry, and in 5 patients, inspiratory function was assessed with esophageal manometry. Results: Graft volumes after transplantation were 54% ± 17% of those predicted for the donors (mean ± SD, P < .0001), and pulmonary function after transplantation was significantly correlated with graft volume. The greatest contribution to graft restriction was the decrease in chest wall volume after transplantation, which was −0.87 L (−31% ± 29% of the graft’s predicted volume; P < .0001). Volume expansion of the contralateral lung contributed −0.44 L (−18% ± 24%; P = .0018). Other effects, including donor–patient size matching, were not significant. In 5 patients, the maximum negative inspiratory esophageal pressure at total lung capacity was low (−6 ± 2 cm H2O, normal range ∼−17 to −29 cm H2O). Conclusions: After single lung transplantation for emphysema, decreased volume of the chest wall was more important than increased volume of the native lung in causing restriction of the graft and decreased pulmonary function. Chest wall restriction is likely due to diminished inspiratory muscle function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting with concomitant coronary endarterectomy (CABG/CE) is used in patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis to revascularize otherwise ungraftable targets. This study investigates the efficacy of arterial versus vein grafting for CABG/CE surgery. Methods: We reviewed our experience in 288 CABG/CE patients (63 ± 10 years, 207 men). A total of 1,056 grafts (275 internal thoracic artery [ITA] [26%]; 221 radial [21%], 560 vein [53%]) were constructed including 325 (31%) placed to CE targets. Results: Eighteen of 288 patients died in-hospital (6.3%). Unadjusted one-year and five-year survival for the 270 discharged patients was 95.2% and 83.0%, respectively. Survival (0 to 7 years) was significantly better for patients with radial (n = 154) versus no-radial (n = 134) artery grafting (p = 0.021). Multivariate Cox regression analysis associated increased number of arterial grafts (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.64 [0.44 to 0.92]; HR [95% confidence interval]) to improved survival, while RCA endarterectomy (HR = 1.8 1.0 3.3; p = 0.054) was associated with worse survival. Repeat angiography (495 days [median]) in 68 patients encompassed 78 CE (38 vein, 24 ITA, and 16 radial) and 162 non-CE (84 vein, 40 ITA, and 38 radial) grafts. Graft failure was similar (p = 0.37) for radial (10 of 54 [19%]) and ITA (7 of 64 [11%]), and worst for vein (50 of 122 [41%]; p < 0.001). For CE targets, graft failure was worse for vein (55% vs 35%; p = 0.05) and unchanged for arterial (13% vs 15%; p = 0.88) grafts. Conclusions: Combined CABG/CE is associated with good long-term outcomes. Increased arterial grafting achieved by radial artery utilization confers a survival benefit in this high-risk population. The latter is probably derived from superior radial versus vein graft patency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: We have recently reported that application of carbodiimide-derivatized hyaluronic acid and gelatin (cd-HA gelatin) to a peroneus longus tendon graft increased tendon graft gliding ability and decreased work of flexion compared with untreated grafts in a canine model in vivo. In this study, we investigated the effect of this modification on adhesions, stiffness, strength of the distal attachment, and fibroblast count. Methods: A total of 24 dogs were used for this study. The peroneus longus tendons of each hind leg were grafted into the 2nd and 5th digits of one forepaw in each dog. One peroneus longus tendon was treated with cd-HA gelatin prior to grafting, and the other one was immersed in 0.9% saline solution as a control. Animals were killed 1, 3, or 6 weeks postoperatively. Results: The adhesion score of cd-HA gelatin–treated tendons was significantly less than that in the saline-treated tendons at all time points. There was no significant difference in the indentation stiffness between HA- and saline-treated grafts at any time point. For the ultimate force at the distal attachment, there was a significant difference among the time points, with a steady increase over time, but no significant difference between treated and control tendons at any time point. There was no significant difference in fibroblast count between treated and control tendons at any time point. Conclusions: Although gross adhesion formation was less, there was no significant difference in strength at the distal tendon-bone interface, cellularity, or tendon graft stiffness when comparing saline-treated and cd-HA gelatin–treated tendon grafts in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: β-adrenoceptor antagonist celiprolol has been widely used as an effective antihypertensive agent. Some studies reported that celiprolol enhances nitric oxide production. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of celiprolol on vein graft intimal hyperplasia and endothelium-dependent nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation. Methods: Japanese white rabbits were randomized to a control group that was fed regular rabbit chow or to a celiprolol group that was fed regular rabbit chow supplemented with 100 mg/body celiprolol sodium. The reversed jugular vein was implanted into the carotid artery. At 2 and 4 weeks after the operation, vein grafts in both groups were harvested, and intimal hyperplasia of the vein grafts was assessed. At 4 weeks after the operation, harvested vein grafts from both the groups were examined on the endothelium-dependent relaxation by application of Ach and were examined to detect for endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression and superoxide anion production. Results: Celiprolol inhibited intimal hyperplasia of carotid interposition-reversed jugular vein grafts 4 weeks after implantation (Intima/media index of celiprolol group, 0.48 ± 0.01 vs control group, 1.07 ± 0.08, P < .05) and suppressed cell proliferation in the neointima 2 weeks after implantation. In addition, celiprolol significantly enhanced endothelium-dependent NO-mediated relaxation in the vein graft with no change in eNOS expression and a reduction in superoxide production. Conclusions: These novel findings clearly demonstrate that β-adrenoceptor antagonist celiprolol can suppress intimal hyperplasia of the vein graft, which may be due to the enhancement of nitric oxide function through an inhibition of superoxide production. These results strongly support the clinical usefulness of celiprolol administration for preventing intimal hyperplasia of the vein graft after bypass grafting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The complexity of variables associated with vascular surgical site infections (VSSI) often contribute adversely to reinfection, limb salvage, and mortality rates. This report details our experience with the selective use of a sartorius muscle flaps (SMF) as part of an overall treatment strategy focused on staged surgical debridement (SSD) to control prosthetic graft bed infection prior to a graft preservation or revision plan. Methods: From our vascular registry, we identified 422 VSSI of which 89 (21%) had SMF for 24 aorto-bifemoral (ABF), 19 extra-anatomic bypasses (EAB), 34 infrainguinal bypasses, and 12 combined inflow/outflow reconstructions. All 86 patients had Szilagyi grade III prosthetic (Dacron-36, polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]-50) graft infections. The treatment algorithm included: SSD, culture-directed parenteral antibiotics, graft preservation (n = 3), or reconstruction (graft excision/EAB, n = 4; rifampin-bonded PTFE, n = 22; autologous conduit, n = 57) based on microbiology and consideration for SMF for extensive soft tissue defects (n = 43) or nonsterilized graft beds (n = 40). Analysis of microbiology, recurrent infection, vascular reconstruction, limb salvage, and mortality was completed over a mean follow-up of 52 months (range: 12 to 132 months). Results: Thirty-day mortality was 2% with two aortic graft infections dying from sepsis. Survival by life table analysis at 1, 3, and 5 years was 94%, 92%, and 90%, respectively. Wound isolates were most commonly gram positive organisms (n = 58, 65%), with gram negative isolates and mixed infections accounting for 19% and 10%, respectively. A single recurrent groin infection was documented at 30 days. Freedom from recurrent infection (n = 6) at 1 and 5 years was 98% and 92% by life tables. Methicillen-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was involved for 50% of reinfections. No amputations were attributable to uncontrolled VSSI and graft patency was 100% in surveillance monitored patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that selective utilization of SMF as part of SSD treatment plan in an attempt to achieve graft bed sterilization can effectively control the complex infectious process allowing for potentially improved outcomes for in situ or preservation graft salvage techniques. Lifelong graft surveillance is recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are recognized as important human pathogens, causing a spectrum of hyperproliferative lesions from benign warts to cervical dysplasias/carcinomas. HPV-associated lesions require continued production of the oncogenic E6/E7 proteins, which are encoded by either bicistronic or overlapping mRNAs. Here we targeted the E6/E7 mRNA of HPV11, a type implicated in causation of genital warts, using molecular reagents. Accessible sites in the HPV11E6/E7 RNA were identified using library selection protocols, and nucleic acids (DNAzymes, antisense oligonucleotides) targeted to these sites were constructed, and tested in cell culture and on human foreskin grafts. While DNAzymes were at least equally effective in cell culture, antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the region surrounding one of the library-selected sites (ASO407) proved most effective in blocking progression of HPV11-induced papillomas in human foreskin grafts on immunodeficient mice. In total, 11 papillomas were treated with ASO407. Of these, four of seven small papillomas treated with ASO407 showed loss of detectable virus by in situ hybridization (ISH), and in all four of these, papillomas were no longer evident grossly or histologically after treatment. When larger papillomas were treated, one of four showed loss of virus by ISH, associated with a minor decrease in papilloma size. Considering all 11 papillomas treated with ASO407, loss of viral staining by ISH was significantly different from that observed in controls (P<0.016), as was true for the seven small treated papillomas (P<0.012). DNAzymes targeted to the same site (or other library selected sites) did not produce statistically significant differences in ISH staining (P<0.15). Our results with ASO407 appear to represent the first specific molecular therapy against a bona fide HPV infection, and provide a rational proof-of-principle strategy for development of molecular therapeutics targeting other HPV-associated lesions.Gene Therapy (2004) 11, 1331-1341. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302303; Published online 1 July 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effects of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on the air-layering propagation of Jamaican ackee (Blighia sapida L.). Blighia sapida L. is a woody perennial, evergreen multipurpose fruit tree species native to the Guinean forests of West Africa. The fleshy arils of the ripened fruits are edible. All selected mother plants were fully grown mature, vigorous, healthy, and disease-free trees located within the landscape at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. The experiment was laid out as a randomized block design with five different concentrations of the rooting hormone (0, 2000, 2500, 3000, and 3500 ppm) IBA and individual trees as blocks. The highest (100%) rooting success, maximum (108.0) number of roots, longest (16.0 cm) root length, and maximum (11.9 g) fresh weight and (3.7 g) dry weight of roots per stem were recorded in the treatment of 3500 ppm IBA. The results of this study can benefit fruits and nursery growers interested in propagating true-to-type Blighia sapida plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an unfinished research designed to test previous experiments on the relationship between the tree roots and the field layer. It highlights the procedures of the experiment, which was spread haltingly for several years, which aims to find out in which soil layers competition between roots and the roots of the field layer takes place or is more severe, and to test the validity of the concept that trees and the field layer are edaphically complementary and generally to discover the relation between the trees and the ground vegetation. It concludes that it appears that deeper lying tree roots may not be without influence on the welfare of the plants whose roots are restricted to the surface layers of the soil.

Due to the continuous risk of rupture from endoleaks after endoluminal graft repair of thoracic aneurysms, the need for lifelong postoperative surveillance has become necessary. Patients are put at a lifetime risk of radiation exposure and may be at an increased risk of contrast induced nephropathy from routine contrast use during follow-up computed tomography for postoperative surveillance of endoluminal grafts. Measuring aneurysm sac pressures using remote wireless pressure sensor may provide a noninvasive method to detect endoleak, procedural success, and long-term stent graft stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Benign familial pemphigus (Halley- U alley) in a white man aged 51 had been refractory to conservative management since the age of 17. The patient developed basal cell epitheliomata at the anal margin following radio- therapy for the pemphigus. The epitheliomata were treated by wide excision and skin grafting. Since after 4 years there was no recurrence of the pemphigus over the grafted area, it was decided to graft the left axilla. The site remained free of pemphigus after 2½ years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impingement of grinding fluid deep into grinding zone is a challenge due to presence of air layer around the grinding wheel. This paper presents experimental observation on air boundary layer formed around a rotating grinding wheel, a rexine-cloth covered grinding wheel and a solid disc. The effect of porous and rough grinding wheel surface towards strengthening air boundary layer has been studied. Modelling has been done to estimate variation of air pressure within this boundary layer. Out of three different methods of extrapolation done, the most suitable one is suggested. Results obtained using three different wheels are compared. A scraper board is also employed to observe reduction of air pressure. Higher value of air pressure is noted in case of bare grinding wheel than that in other conditions. Use of scraper board along with rexine-covered wheel is found to reduce air pressure to a large extent such that it becomes close to air pressure noted around the solid wheel. It shows the beneficial effect of using scraper board and rexine-pasted wheel to suppress air layer effectively. Correspondingly, grinding fluid is expected to reach deep into the grinding zone thereby rendering better control of grinding temperature, and hence, better grinding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Because of their small size, rotary left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can be implanted through several alternative approaches, including transdiaphragmatic LVAD insertion through a left subcostal incision with anastomosis of the outflow graft to the retroperitoneal supra-celiac aorta and a left thoracotomy approach with anastomosis to the descending thoracic aorta. More recently we have added a counter-incision to allow the outflow graft of a transdiaphragmatic LVAD to be tunneled through the right chest and anastomosed to the ascending aorta. However, constructing a tension-free, nonkinking lie of the outflow graft can be challenging. We have found that placing a 10-cm to 15-cm length of polytetrafluoroethylene graft coaxially over the LVAD outflow graft ensures a smooth, kink-free lie. Thus far 12 patients have undergone reinforcement of the LVAD outflow graft prior to graft-to-aorta anastomosis. In all cases, graft lie was facilitated and kinking was eliminated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Replacement of the esophagus by colon interposition often has late complications, frequently due to technical defects. We report the case of a patient who presented 12 years after surgery with complex dysfunctions of a colonic interposition, including cervical and retrosternal strictures associated with a redundant portion of the colon graft. The interest of this case lies in its combination of many late complications of this surgery in a single person together with the simplicity of the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]