bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymethylmethacrylate particle exposure causes changes in p38 MAPK and TGF‐β signaling in differentiating MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Ma Gene K. , Chiu Richard , Huang Zhinong , Pearl Jeremy , Ma Ting , Smith R. Lane , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: February 2010

Periprosthetic osteolysis of joint replacements caused by wear debris is a significant complication of joint replacements. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles have been shown to inhibit osteogenic differentiation, but the molecular mechanism has not been previously determined. In this study, we exposed differentiating MC3T3‐E1 preostoblast cells to PMMA particles and determined the changes that occurred with respect to p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways. In the absence of particles, MC3T3‐E1 cells demonstrate activation of p38 MAPK on day 8 of differentiation; however, when treated with PMMA particles, differentiating MC3T3‐E1 cells demonstrate the suppression of p38 activity on day 8 and show activation of p38 on days 1 and 4. On day 4 of particle exposure, the differentiating MC3T3‐E1 cells show significant downregulation of TGF‐β1 expression, which is involved in osteoblast differentiation, and a significant upregulation of the expression of BMP3 and Sclerostin (SOST), which are negative regulators of osteoblast differentiation. By day 8 of particle exposure, the changes in TGF‐β1, BMP3, and SOST expression are opposite of those seen on day 4. This study has demonstrated the distinct changes in the molecular profile of MC3T3‐E1 cells during particle‐induced inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Osteochondral repair using porous poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide)/nano‐hydroxyapatite hybrid scaffolds with undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model
Authors: Xue Deting , Zheng Qiang , Zong Chen , Li Qun , Li Hang , Qian Shengjun , Zhang Bo , Yu Lina , Pan Zhijun
Published: February 2010

In this study, a novel three‐dimensional poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)/nano‐hydroxyapatite (NHA) scaffold was fabricated by a thermally induced phase separation technique and its potential application in cartilage tissue‐engineering was investigated. The PLGA scaffold was used as a control and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded in both scaffolds. After 12‐days culture, SEM images and confocal laser scanning microscopy illustrated that MSCs attached more moderately and more cells distributed in PLGA/NHA scaffolds. MTT test and DNA assay showed that the viability and proliferation of MSCs in PLGA/NHA scaffolds were significantly superior to PLGA scaffolds during in vitro culture. Through in vivo study, the efficacy of this scaffold combining with MSCs for repairing articular osteochondral defects was evaluated in a rat model. Osteochondral defects in rats knees were left untreated, or treated with PLGA/NHA‐MSCs composites or PLGA‐MSCs composites. Twelve weeks after operation, histological examination revealed that the defects in the PLGA/NHA‐MSCs treated group were filled with smooth and hyaline‐like cartilage with abundant glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II deposition, but deficient in collagen type I at 12 weeks after operation. To investigate the final fate of MSCs transplanted into the defect areas, the fluorescent dye CM‐DiI was used to prelabel cells. At 12 weeks after transplantation, we still observed the red fluorescence in the repair area. These findings suggest that the PLGA/NHA‐MSCs composite may be potentially used for cartilage repair in clinical application. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Evaluation of the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of naturally derived and synthetic scaffolds for urethral reconstruction
Authors: Feng Chao , Xu Yue‐Min , Fu Qiang , Zhu Wei‐Dong , Cui Lei , Chen Jie
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of biomaterials, including bladder submucosa (BAMG), small intestinal submucosa (SIS), acellular corpus spongiosum matrix (ACSM), and polyglycolic acid (PGA), to identify the optimal scaffold for urethral tissue engineering. Tensile mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate mechanical properties of each scaffold. Rabbit corporal smooth muscle cells were cultured with the extracts of biomaterials and mitochondrial metabolic activity assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of scaffold. The pore sizes of each scaffold were measured. Additionally, smooth muscle cells were seeded on biomaterials. Cell infiltration was evaluated. Mechanical evaluation showed that Young modulus, stress at break in ACSM were prior to those in other biomaterials (p < 0.05). MTT assay confirmed that all scaffolds supported normal cellular mitochondrial metabolic without inducing cytotoxic events. SEM demonstrated that PGA has the largest pore size (>200 μm). The ACSM has different pore sizes in urethral (<5 μm) and cavernosal surfaces (>10 μm). Widespread distribution of cells could be observed in PGA 14 days after seeding. Multilayer cellular coverage developed in BAMG and urethral surface of ACSM without any sign of cellular invasion. Moderated cellular penetration could be found in SIS and cavernosal surface of ACSM. Although each scaffold demonstrated suitable mechanical properties, which is similar to normal urethra, ACSM showed better response in some parameters than those in other biomaterials. It suggested that this scaffold may be an alternative for urethral reconstruction in the future. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Enhancement of octacalcium phosphate deposition on a titanium surface activated by electron cyclotron resonance plasma oxidation
Authors: Orii Yusuke , Masumoto Hiroshi , Honda Yoshitomo , Anada Takahisa , Goto Takashi , Sasaki Keiichi , Suzuki Osamu
Published: February 2010

The present study was designed to investigate whether the formation of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) is accelerated on titanium (Ti) surface by an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma oxidation at various pressures and temperatures. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) of Ti‐oxidized substrates showed that the rutile TiO2 phase on its surfaces appeared at 300°C and was crystallized when the oxidation temperature increased up to 600°C. The thickness of TiO2 film on the substrates increased progressively as the temperature increased. The oxidized Ti surfaces were soaked in calcium and phosphate solutions supersaturated with respect to both hydroxyapatite (HA) and OCP but slightly supersaturated with dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD). OCP crystals with a blade‐like morphology were deposited as the primary crystalline phase on Ti substrates, while DCPD was included as a minor constituent. The amount of OCP deposition was maximized under 0.015 Pa in 300°C. On the other hand, the oxidation temperature did not show a significant effect on the deposit in the range examined. The phase conversion from OCP to HA, determined by XRD, was demonstrated to occur even at 1 day and to advance until 7 days by immersing the Ti substrate with the deposit in simulated body fluid at 37°C. The present results suggest that ECR plasma oxidation could be used to improve a Ti surface regarding its bioactivity due to the enhancement of osteoconductive OCP deposition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Multiple ligand simultaneous docking: Orchestrated dancing of ligands in binding sites of protein
Authors: Li Huameng , Li Chenglong
Published: February 2010

Present docking methodologies simulate only one single ligand at a time during docking process. In reality, the molecular recognition process always involves multiple molecular species. Typical protein–ligand interactions are, for example, substrate and cofactor in catalytic cycle; metal ion coordination together with ligand(s); and ligand binding with water molecules. To simulate the real molecular binding processes, we propose a novel multiple ligand simultaneous docking (MLSD) strategy, which can deal with all the above processes, vastly improving docking sampling and binding free energy scoring. The work also compares two search strategies: Lamarckian genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization, which have respective advantages depending on the specific systems. The methodology proves robust through systematic testing against several diverse model systems:E. colipurine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) complex with two substrates, SHP2NSH2 complex with two peptides and Bcl‐xL complex with ABT‐737 fragments. In all cases, the final correct docking poses and relative binding free energies were obtained. In PNP case, the simulations also capture the binding intermediates and reveal the binding dynamics during the recognition processes, which are consistent with the proposed enzymatic mechanism. In the other two cases, conventional single‐ligand docking fails due to energetic and dynamic coupling among ligands, whereas MLSD results in the correct binding modes. These three cases also represent potential applications in the areas of exploring enzymatic mechanism, interpreting noisy X‐ray crystallographic maps, and aiding fragment‐based drug design, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Biodegradation of Reactive Black 5 and bioregeneration in upflow fixed bed bioreactors packed with different adsorbents
Authors: Ip Alvin W. M. , Barford John P. , McKay Gordon
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Unutilized dyes present a significant environmental problem. Recently, biological activated carbon has been used extensively for the removal of gas and wastewater pollutants but its use in dye removal is still limited. The system provides simultaneous adsorption of pollutants and biodegradation/biotransformation of pollutants in a single reactor, and showed high efficiency and a long working life.

RESULTS: The adsorption of Reactive Black 5 by three selected adsorbents, F400, bone char and bamboo activated carbon, was studied. The relationships between adsorption, desorption, bioregeneration and the effect of nutrient on dye adsorption was assessed. The potential value of using adsorbents as a microbial support in the biodegradation of Reactive Black 5 was investigated. Biodegradation was greatly enhanced in the fixed bed bioreactors and complete decolorization was achieved in all the reactors studied with hydraulic retention time less than 15 minutes. The bioregenerated adsorption capacity of bamboo activated carbon in the bioreactor was found to be the highest.

CONCLUSION: Decolorization of Reactive Black 5 was significantly enhanced in the bioreactors. Results showed that the immobilized bacteria can increase the desorbability of the adsorbed dye, which is important for practical operation, and that bamboo activated carbon demonstrated potential as a packing material in fixed bed bioreactors. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid detection of Orthopoxvirus by semi‐nested PCR directly from clinical specimens: A useful alternative for routine laboratories
Authors: Abrahão Jônatas Santos , Drumond Betânia Paiva , de Souza Trindade Giliane , da Silva‐Fernandes André Tavares , Ferreira Jaqueline Maria Siqueira , Alves Pedro Augusto , Campos Rafael Kroon , Siqueira Larissa , Bonjardim Cláudio Antônio , Ferreira Paulo César Peregrino , Kroon Erna Geessien
Published: February 2010

Orthopoxvirus (OPV) has been associated with worldwide exanthematic outbreaks, which have resulted in serious economic losses as well as impact on public health. Although the current classical and molecular methods are useful for the diagnosis of OPV, they are largely inaccessible to unsophisticated clinical laboratories. The major reason for the inaccessibility is that they require both virus isolation and DNA manipulation. In this report, a rapid, sensitive and low‐cost semi‐nested PCR method is described for the detection of OPV DNA directly from clinical specimens. A set of primers was designed to amplify the conserved OPV vgf gene. The most useful thermal and chemical conditions were selected and minimum non‐inhibitory dilutions were determined. More than 100 Brazilian Vaccinia virus (VACV) field clinical specimens were tested using this semi‐nested PCR in order to confirm its applicability. Cowpox virus was also detected by PCR from the ear scabs of scarified Balb/c mice. In addition, the method was highly sensitive for the detection of VACV DNA in murine blood and excreta, which are among the suggested reservoirs of OPV. Together, these data suggest that semi‐nested PCR can be used for initial screening for OPV and as a routine diagnostic laboratory method. J. Med. Virol. 82:692–699, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of sapovirus detected in a gastroenteritis outbreak at a wedding hall
Authors: Yamashita Yasutaka , Ootsuka Yuka , Kondo Reiko , Oseto Mitsuaki , Doi Mitsunori , Miyamoto Takeshi , Ueda Tetsuroo , Kondo Hirokazu , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Wakita Takaji , Katayama Kazuhiko , Takeda Naokazu , Oka Tomoichiro
Published: February 2010

Sapovirus (SaV) is an important pathogen of human acute gastroenteritis. A gastroenteritis outbreak occurred at a wedding hall in October 2007 in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. One hundred nine people who had either attended wedding parties or had eaten a box lunch at a conference held at the same hall complained of gastroenteritis symptoms. Among these 109 people, stool specimens from 56 patients were available for pathogen screening, and 20 (35.7%) of these specimens were positive for SaV, of whom 18 showed symptoms. The numbers of cDNA copies of the specimens ranged from 2.36 × 106 to 3.03 × 1010 for symptomatic patients, and 2.19 × 106 and 1.18 × 109 per gram of stool for two asymptomatic food handlers. The incubation periods of the 18 symptomatic patients ranged from 14.5 to 99.5 hr. Identical nucleotide sequence types of SaV; that is, a single synonymous nucleotide difference (transition) or microheterogeneity, was detected in stool specimens from the symptomatic patients and the asymptomatic food handlers, with the direct nucleotide sequence of approximately 2.3 kb 3′ end of the genome. Based on the phylogenetic analysis with the complete capsid nucleotide sequence, these strains were clustered into genogroup IV. This outbreak was thought to be caused by a single source, and underscores the importance of proper hygiene in the environment and/or in food‐handling practices to control SaV outbreaks. J. Med. Virol. 82:720–726, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of the VP1, VP2, and VP4 regions for molecular typing of human enteroviruses
Authors: Perera David , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Yoshida Hiromu , Van Tu Phan , Ishiko Hiroaki , McMinn Peter C. , Cardosa Mary J.
Published: February 2010

The VP4, VP2, and VP1 gene regions were evaluated for their usefulness in typing human enteroviruses. Three published RT‐PCR primers sets targeting separately these three gene regions were used. Initially, from a total of 86 field isolates (36 HEV‐A, 40 HEV‐B, and 10 HEV‐C) tested, 100% concordance in HEV‐A was identified from all three gene regions (VP4, VP2, and VP1). However, for HEV‐B and HEV‐C viruses, only the VP2 and VP1 regions, and not VP4, showed 100% concordance in typing these viruses. To evaluate further the usefulness of VP4 in typing HEV‐A enteroviruses, 55 Japanese and 203 published paired VP4 and VP1 nucleotide sequences were also examined. In each case, typing by VP4 was 100% in concordance with typing using VP1. Given these results, it is proposed that for HEV‐A enteroviruses, all three gene regions (VP4, VP2, and VP1), would be useful for typing these viruses. These options would enhance the capability of laboratories in identifying these viruses and would greatly help in outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease. J. Med. Virol. 82:649–657, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection who have normal alanine aminotransferase values
Authors: Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kiriyama Seiki , Sone Yasuhiro , Tanikawa Makoto , Hisanaga Yasuhiro , Kanamori Akira , Atsumi Hiroyuki , Takagi Makiko , Arakawa Takahiro , Fujimori Masashi
Published: February 2010

The importance of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a subject of debate. This study sought to identify independent risk factors involved in development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in patients with chronic HBV infection who have normal ALT values. Data from 381 consecutive hepatitis B patients were analyzed with average ALT integration values ≤40 IU/L and follow‐up periods of >3 years. Integration values were calculated from biochemical tests, and serological markers associated with the cumulative incidence of HCC were analyzed. HCC developed in 17 of the 381 patients (4.5%) during the follow‐up period. Male sex (hazard ratio, 6.011 [95% confidence interval: 1.353–26.710], P = 0.018), high HBV‐DNA levels (≥5.0 log copies/ml; 5.125 [1.880–13.973], P = 0.001), low platelet counts (<15.0 × 104/mm3; 4.803 [1.690–13.647], P = 0.003), and low total cholesterol levels (<130 mg/dl; 5.983 [1.558–22.979], P = 0.009) were significantly associated with greater incidence of HCC development. High HBV‐DNA levels and low platelet counts are associated with the development of HCC in patients infected with hepatitis B who have normal ALT values. Therefore, maintenance of low HBV‐DNA levels is important for the prevention of HCC in patients with low platelet counts, particularly in patients whose ALT values fall within the current normal range. J. Med. Virol. 82:539–545, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comprehensive serotyping and epidemiology of human adenovirus isolated from the respiratory tract of Korean children over 17 consecutive years (1991–2007)
Authors: Lee Jina , Choi Eun Hwa , Lee Hoan Jong
Published: February 2010

Among the 53 serotypes of human adenoviruses (HAdVs), identified to date, only a limited number have been associated with human respiratory infections. The epidemiology of each of the serotypes differs depending on the location and/or time of surveillance. This study was performed to elucidate the epidemiology of HAdV respiratory infections by comprehensive serotyping of the HAdVs isolated from the respiratory tract of Korean children. HAdVs isolated from respiratory specimens of Korean children over 17 consecutive years (1991–2007) were typed by the neutralization test or molecular methods, including two‐sets of multiplex PCR assays, and/or sequence analysis of the hexon gene. From January 1991 through December 2007, a total of 741 isolates were obtained from nasal aspirates of children hospitalized or requiring medical treatment in the emergency room. All isolates were type‐determined successfully and 13 different serotypes were identified, which included HAdV serotypes 1–8, 11, 19, 34, 37, and 41. HAdV‐3 (n = 285, 37.7%) and HAdV‐7 (n = 181, 23.9%) were the predominant serotypes; HAdV‐8, ‐11, ‐19, ‐34, ‐37, and ‐41 were not usually associated with respiratory diseases. HAdV‐3 was present both during outbreaks and in sporadic cases. HAdV‐7 emerged in a very large outbreak, followed by smaller outbreaks. HAdV‐1, ‐2, ‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 were isolated sporadically throughout the study period. In conclusion, a total of 13 different serotypes of HAdV were detected among Korean children with respiratory tract infections. HAdV‐3 and HAdV‐7 were the most common serotypes, and they were associated with HAdV outbreaks. J. Med. Virol. 82:624–631, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of hepatitis C virus strains circulating in Republic of the Congo
Authors: Cantaloube Jean‐François , Gallian Pierre , Bokilo Amélia , Jordier François , Biagini Philippe , Attoui Houssam , Chiaroni Jacques , de Micco Philippe
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence, viremia, genotype distribution, and demographic history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Republic of the Congo. Testing was carried out on sera samples collected in 2005 from 807 Bantus belonging to the Kongo, Teke, and Ngala subgroups and 80 Pygmies. Positive HCV serology was found in 50 (5.6%) individuals including 31 (60%) who were viremic. Seroprevalence increased with age with a cutoff at 50 years: 2.8% <50 versus 12% >50. Twenty‐one strains belonged to four described subtypes, that is, 4c in eight cases, 4h in two, 4k in three, and 4r in eight. Ten strains could not be assigned to any known subtype and may represent six new variants, that is, subtype 4 in five cases and subtype 2 in one. Evolutionary analysis of subtype 4c and 4r sequences indicated a period of enhanced transmission in the mid‐twentieth century probably due to iatrogenic causes. This study underlines the high genetic diversity of strains in the Republic of the Congo with nine subtypes 4 and one subtype 2. J. Med. Virol. 82:562–567, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of two sublineages of genotype G2 rotavirus among diarrheic children in Parauapebas, Southern Pará State, Brazil
Authors: Mascarenhas Joana D'Arc Pereira , Lima Clarissa Silva , de Oliveira Darleise Silva , Guerra Sylvia de Fátima dos Santos , Maestri Régis Piloni , Gabbay Yvone Benchimol , de Lima Ian Carlos Gomes , de Menezes Euzeni Maria Costa , Linhares Alexandre da Costa , Bensabath Gilberta
Published: February 2010

On a world scale, group A human rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe acute gastroenteritis during infancy and childhood, including five (G1, G2, G3, G4, and G9) epidemiologically important genotypes. Among these, G2 denotes a different genogroup which appears to have a cyclic pattern of occurrence and yet little information is available about its genetic variability. The aim of this report was to characterize the emergence of G2 genotype in Paraupebas, Southern Pará State, Brazil, some of which detected after introduction of rotavirus vaccine. A total of 241 fecal specimens from young children with acute gastroenteritis were collected from the “Yutaka Takeda Hospital,” a Municipality Hospital, and at the Parauapebas' Health Unit, Pará, from January to September 2006 and during March to November 2008. All samples were tested for rotavirus using immunochromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and RT‐PCR, yielding an overall positivity of 12.45% (30/241). Rotavirus G2P[4] was identified in 27 of 30 samples (90%), followed by G1P[8] (2/30, 6.67%) and G9P[8] (1/30, 3.33%). Phylogenetic analysis was performed in 15 of the G2 strains, all of which grouped into lineage II. Four of these strains clustered into sublineage II‐a (year 2006) and 11 into one possible new sublineage named II‐c (year 2008, except SAL‐1920‐C). The recent re‐emergence of G2 genotype associated with lineage II in Brazil warrants the continuous monitoring of circulating rotavirus strains following the nationwide universal use of rotavirus vaccine. J. Med. Virol. 82:712–719, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amino acid substitutions in the hepatitis C virus core region of genotype 1b affect very early viral dynamics during treatment with telaprevir, peginterferon, and ribavirin
Authors: Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Hirakawa Miharu , Kawamura Yusuke , Yatsuji Hiromi , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: February 2010

Substitution of amino acid (aa) 70 and 91 in the core region of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b can predict the response to pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN)/ribavirin combination therapy, but its impact on triple therapy of telaprevir/PEG‐IFN/ribavirin is not clear. The aims of this study were to investigate the rate of HCV RNA loss following 12‐week triple therapy, and determine the effect of aa substitutions on very early (within 48 hr) viral dynamics. Sixty‐seven patients infected with HCV genotype 1b (HCV‐1b) and high viral load who received 12‐week triple therapy were studied. RNA loss could be achieved in 2%, 34%, 80%, 92%, 95%, 94%, and 90% of the patients after 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of triple therapy, respectively. After 24‐hr treatment, the proportion of patients with Arg70 and Leu91 substitutions with ≥3.0 log fall in HCV RNA was significantly higher than those with <3.0 log fall (P = 0.008). However, the aa substitution patterns in the core region did not influence the fall in HCV RNA after 48‐hr treatment. Multivariate analysis identified substitutions of aa 70 and 91 (P = 0.014) and level of viremia at baseline (≥7.0 log IU/ml; P = 0.085) as independent parameters that determined the ≥3.0 log fall in HCV RNA level after 24‐hr triple therapy. It is concluded that 12‐week triple therapy achieved high rates of loss of HCV RNA in Japanese patients infected with HCV‐1b and high viral load, and that the aa substitution pattern in the core region seems to influence very early viral dynamics. J. Med. Virol. 82:575–582, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased proportion of the CD56bright NK cell subset in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) receiving interferon‐αand ribavirin therapy
Authors: Lee Silvia , Watson Mark W. , Flexman James P. , Cheng Wendy , Hammond Talia , Price Patricia
Published: February 2010

Natural killer (NK) cells are implicated in the regulation of a protective immune response in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but effects of interferon‐α/ribavirin therapy on NK cell subsets and the consequences of viral clearance during therapy remain unclear. Samples were collected from chronically infected patients (n = 34) at baseline and from a subset after 3–10 months on pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin therapy (n = 19). NK cells present in cryopreserved PBMC were characterized by flow cytometry. Before therapy, the frequency of CD3−CD56+ NK cells was lower in patients than uninfected controls. Therapy increased proportions of CD56bright NK cells. Frequencies of CD56dim NK cells declined slightly while perforin and CD16 expression on CD56dim NK cells decreased compared to baseline samples. Evaluation of NK cell subsets at baseline did not identify patients able to achieve sustained virological response following therapy. However, therapy may promote the expansion of NK cells able to produce interferon‐γ, while minimizing cytotoxicity to limit liver damage. J. Med. Virol. 82:568–574, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of atmosphere composition on the quality of ready‐to‐use broccoli raab (Brassica rapa L.)
Authors: Cefola Maria , Amodio Maria L , Cornacchia Rosaria , Rinaldi Raffaella , Vanadia Sebastiano , Colelli Giancarlo
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Many leafy brassicas are widely used for ready‐to‐use salads. Broccoli raab (Brassica rapa L.), also called turnip top, or rapini, is extensively cultivated in southern Italy. The edible portion is made up of the green, immature inflorescences and the stem with its most tender leaves. Recently, interest in this crop has increased among European consumers; moreover, a substantial increase in consumption could come from the ready‐to‐use product.

RESULTS: The effects of four different atmosphere compositions (air, 3% O2 in nitrogen, 3% O2 + 10% CO2 in air, and 10% CO2 in air) on quality attributes of ready‐to‐use broccoli raab were studied. Controlled atmosphere affected appearance, composition, respiration rate, weight loss, and presence of off‐odours. Storage of broccoli raab florets under low oxygen conditions delayed post‐cutting deterioration during storage at 5 °C and preserved appearance and typical odour, up to 17 days. Moreover, respiration rate as well as loss of green colour, chlorophyll and vitamin C were also slowed down in this condition. Finally, in this study no effect of controlled atmosphere storage was found on total phenols content and antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION: Results showed that cold storage in 3% O2 can be beneficial in order to maintain quality of ready‐to‐use, broccoli raab for up to 17 days. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of malting conditions and quality characteristics of malt and roasted malt extract from ‘acha’ grains (Digitaria exilis Stapf)
Authors: Lasekan Ola , Terezinha Salva J , Abbas Kassim
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of malting and roasting on the quality of ‘acha’ beverages, a study was conducted to find optimum conditions for malting and the production of a high‐quality roasted extract that could be used for an ‘acha’ beverage.

RESULTS: The data obtained were analysed using response surface methodology. The results revealed that the most significant (P < 0.05) malting factors that affect the response variables were the linear terms of germination time and drying temperature. However, for the extract production, the linear term of roasting temperature was the most significant (P < 0.05) factor. The quadratic and interaction terms exhibited significant (P < 0.05) effect in all cases apart from the flavour.

CONCLUSION: The overall optimum regions were established at 28 h of germination time, 55 °C drying temperature and 5.0% moisture content for the malting conditions while for the extract production, a roasting temperature of 210 °C, extraction temperature of 70 °C and extraction duration of 20 min were established. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Photodynamic therapy: New treatment for recalcitrant Malassezia folliculitis
Authors: Lee Jin Woong , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Myeung Nam
Published: February 2010

Background

Malassezia folliculitis commonly has been treated with oral antifungal medications. However, it has many therapeutic weaknesses such as infection relapse, drug resistance, or adverse effects like hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal discomfort. Hence, there remains an ongoing need for alternative treatments for recalcitrant Malassezia folliculitis. Recently, many dermatologists suggest photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an alternative therapeutic option for its antimicrobial effect.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of methyl 5‐aminolevulinic acid (MAL)‐PDT for the treatment of recalcitrant Malassezia folliculitis.

Materials and Methods

Six Korean patients aged 23–47 years with recalcitrant Malassezia folliculitis were enrolled in this study. The patients enrolled in this study either refused oral medication or were unable to take oral antifungal agents due to hepatotoxicity concerns. Thus, we offered these patients MAL‐PDT as an alternative treatment option. For all patients, photographs of the lesion(s) were taken prior to initiating treatment. MAL cream (Metvix®, Galderma, France) was applied to each lesion (located on the patients' trunks) and covered with an adhesive occlusive dressing polyurethane film (Tegaderm®, 3M Healthcare, St. Paul, MN). After 3 hours, the cream was wiped off and illumination was performed immediately thereafter with non‐coherent red light using light‐emitting diodes (Aktilite® lamp, PhotoCure, Oslo, Norway, average wavelength 630 nm, light dose 37 J/cm2). Illumination was performed for 7.5 minutes. Patients underwent totally three sessions of MAL‐PDT at 2‐week intervals. One month after the last PDT treatment, patients returned to the hospital and lesions were photographed.

Results

After three sessions of MAL‐PDT, inflammatory lesions had decreased and improved obviously in four patients, had improved slightly in one patient, and had not improved in one patient.

Conclusion

MAL‐PDT may be an effective treatment option for patients with recalcitrant Malassezia folliculitis. However, the data on MAL‐PDT are still limited, and additional controlled trials including multiple patients will be necessary to verify the results of this pilot study. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:192–196, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intense pulsed light (IPL): A review
Authors: Babilas Philipp , Schreml Stephan , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus , Landthaler Michael
Published: February 2010

Background

Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices use flashlamps and bandpass filters to emit polychromatic incoherent high‐intensity pulsed light of determined wavelength spectrum, fluence, and pulse duration. Similar to lasers, the basic principle of IPL devices is a more or less selective thermal damage of the target. The combination of prescribed wavelengths, fluences, pulse durations, and pulse intervals facilitates the treatment of a wide spectrum of skin conditions.

Objective

To summarize the physics of IPL, to provide guidance for the practical use of IPL devices, and to discuss the current literature on IPL in the treatment of unwanted hair growth, vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, acne vulgaris, and photodamaged skin and as a light source for PDT and skin rejuvenation.

Methods

A systematic search of several electronic databases, including Medline and PubMed and the authors experience on intense pulsed light.

Results

Numerous trials show the effectiveness and compatibility of IPL devices.

Conclusion

Most comparative trials attest IPLs similar effectiveness to lasers (level of evidence: 2b to 4, depending on the indication). However, large controlled and blinded comparative trials with an extended follow‐up period are necessary. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:93–104, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiant near infrared light emitting Diode exposure as skin preparation to enhance photodynamic therapy inflammatory type acne treatment outcome
Authors: Barolet Daniel , Boucher Annie
Published: February 2010

Background and Objective

An alternative approach in the treatment of acne vulgaris is photodynamic therapy (PDT) that uses light and aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) production to eradicate Propionibacterium acnes found in acne lesions. PpIX formation is dependent on ALA percutaneaous penetration. In this study, to enhance ALA penetration and subsequent accumulation of PpIX, skin temperature was increased with radiant infrared (IR) prior to ALA–PDT application and compared to ALA–PDT alone in the treatment of inflammatory acne.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Ten patients exhibiting inflammatory acne with a lesion count of ≥10 were assigned to a split face or split back group. One side was pre‐treated for 15 minutes with radiant IR light emitting diode (LED) (970 nm), while the other side was used as control. ALA was then applied after which PDT LED (630 nm) was performed on the entire face or back surface. Blinded lesion counts and clinical global assessment of severity were performed based on digital photographs before and 4 weeks after the PDT procedure.

Results

This randomized, controlled, and rater‐blinded trial revealed a significant difference in median reduction of inflammatory lesions on the IR pre‐treated (73%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51–81%) versus the control side (38%, 95% CI 8–55%) 1 month after PDT (P<0.0001). Clinical assessment of severity was also significantly lower on the IR‐treated side than on the control side (median 1, 95% CI 0.74–1.34 vs. 2, 95% CI 1.17–1.72). No unusual treatment‐related adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion

The reported therapeutic effects may be due to enhanced induction of alterations in transcutaneous diffusion kinetics of the photosensitizer at higher skin temperature and/or conversion of ALA to PpIX. Pre‐PDT radiant IR LED exposure appears to be a promising method to enhance PDT efficacy for the treatment of acne lesions. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:171–178, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial testing of a monoclonal antibody (IMC‐A12) against IGF‐1R by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Houghton Peter J. , Morton Christopher L. , Gorlick Richard , Kolb E. Anders , Keir Stephen T. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Kang Min H. , Maris John M. , Wu Jianrong , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: February 2010

Background

Many childhood malignancies including sarcomas, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor show the presence of both, active, type‐1‐insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF‐1R), and the autocrine production of its ligands IGF‐1/IGF‐2. IMC‐A12 is a fully human IgG1 antibody that prevents ligand binding to the IGF‐1R.

Procedures

IMC‐A12 was evaluated against the 23 cell lines of the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) in vitro panel using 96 hr exposure at concentrations ranging from 0.01 nM to 0.1 µM. IMC‐A12 was tested in vivo at a dose of 1 mg/mouse administered intraperitoneally twice weekly for 6 weeks.

Results

In vitro, IMC‐A12‐induced T/C values <50% in only three cell lines, a rhabdomyosarcoma cell line (Rh41) and two Ewing sarcoma cell lines (TC‐71 and CHLA‐9). In vivo, IMC‐A12 induced significant differences in EFS distribution compared to control in 24 of 34 (71%) evaluable solid tumor xenografts. Using the PPTP “time to event” activity measure, IMC‐A12 induced intermediate (n = 13) or high (n = 1) activity in 33 xenografts evaluable for this activity measure, including 6 of 6 rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts, 3 of 5 osteosarcoma xenografts, 2 of 5 neuroblastoma xenografts, and 1 of 5 Ewing sarcoma xenografts. The only objective response observed was observed in a rhabdomyosarcoma xenograft (Rh28) that achieved a maintained complete response.

Conclusions

IMC‐A12 demonstrated broad antitumor activity against the PPTP's in vivo solid tumor panels, with the activity primarily being tumor growth inhibition rather than tumor regression. IMC‐A12 showed its greatest activity in vivo against the PPTP's rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:921–926 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First‐trimester assessment of placenta function and the prediction of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Zhong Yan , Tuuli Methodius , Odibo Anthony O.
Published: February 2010

Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major contributors to perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Both are characterized by impaired trophoblastic invasion of the maternal spiral arteries and their conversion from narrow muscular vessels to wide non‐muscular channels. Despite improvement in the understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions, ability to accurately identify pregnant woman who will develop them is limited. This greatly impairs the development and testing of preventive interventions. While different measures of placental dysfunction have been associated with increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, the ability of any single one to accurately predict these outcomes is poor. Developing predictive tests is further challenged by difficulty in the timing of the measurements, as both the structural and biochemical characteristics of the placenta change with increasing gestational age. The ideal screening test would accurately predict the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes early enough to provide a window for preventive interventions. Improvement in ultrasound technology provides potentially useful novel tools for evaluating placental structure, but measuresments need to be standardized in order to be useful. Maternal serum analyte screening is a noninvasive test of placental biochemical function, but present serum marker alone is not sufficiently accurate to suggest its routine use in clinical practice. The use of first trimester biochemical markers in combination with uterine artery Doppler screening is promising as a potential screening tool. Prospective longitudinal studies using standardized methodology are necessary to further evaluate the choice of parameters and strategies of combination to achieve the best predictive models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uro‐words making history: Ureter and urethra
Authors: Marx Franz Josef , Karenberg Axel
Published: February 2010

PURPOSE

We comprehensively review the history of the terms “ureter” and “urethra” from 700 BC to the present.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a case study approach, ancient medical texts were analyzed to clarify the etymology and use of both terms. In addition, selected anatomy textbooks from the 15th to 17th centuries were searched to identify and compare descriptions, illustrations, and various expressions used by contemporary authors to designate the upper and lower parts of the urinary tract.

RESULTS

The Ancient Greek words “ureter” and “urethra” appear early in Hippocratic and Aristotelian writings. However, both terms designated what we today call the urethra. It was only with increasing anatomical knowledge in Greek medical texts after the 1st century AD that definitions of these words evolved similar to those we employ today. Numerous synonyms were used which served as a basis for translation into Arabic and later Latin during the transfer of ancient knowledge to the cultures of the medieval period. When Greek original texts and their Arabic–Latin version were compared during the Renaissance, this led to terminological confusion which could only be gradually overcome. Around the year 1600, the use of the latinized terms “ureter” and “urethra” became generally accepted. The dissemination of these terms in modern national languages and the emergence of clinical derivatives complete this historical development.

CONCLUSIONS

The history of the terms “ureter” and “urethra” is exemplary of the difficulties with which the development of a precise urologic terminology had to struggle. The story behind the words also clarifies why even today we still have imprecise or misleading terms. Prostate 70: 952–958, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Snail transcription factor regulates neuroendocrine differentiation in LNCaP prostate cancer cells
Authors: McKeithen Danielle , Graham Tisheeka , Chung Leland W.K. , Odero‐Marah Valerie
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

Snail transcription factor induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) via decreased cell adhesion‐associated molecules like E‐cadherin, and increased mesenchymal markers like vimentin. We previously established Snail‐mediated EMT model utilizing androgen‐dependent LNCaP cells. These cells express increased vimentin protein and relocalization of E‐cadherin from the cell membrane to the cytosol. Interestingly, Snail transfection in LNCaP cells resulted in cells acquiring a neuroendocrine (NE)‐like morphology with long neurite‐like processes.

METHODS

We tested for expression of NE markers neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin A (CgA) by Western blot analysis, and performed proliferation assays to test for paracrine cell proliferation.

RESULTS

LNCaP cells transfected with Snail displayed increase in the NE markers, NSE and CgA as well as translocation of androgen receptor (AR) to the nucleus. LNCaP C‐33 cells that have been previously published as a neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) model exhibited increased expression levels of Snail protein as compared to LNCaP parental cells. Functionally, conditioned medium from the LNCaP‐Snail transfected cells increased proliferation of parental LNCaP and PC‐3 cells, which could be abrogated by NSE/CgA siRNA. Additionally, NED in LNCaP‐C33 cells or that induced in parental LNCaP cells by serum starvation could be inhibited by knockdown of Snail with siRNA.

CONCLUSION

Overall our data provide evidence that Snail transcription factor may promote tumor aggressiveness in the LNCaP cells through multiple processes; induction of EMT may be required to promote migration, while NED may promote tumor proliferation by a paracrine mechanism. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of Snail may prove beneficial in not only abrogating EMT but also NED. Prostate 70: 982–992, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of hepsin gene variants with prostate cancer risk and prognosis
Authors: Holt Sarah K. , Kwon Erika M. , Lin Daniel W. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Stanford Janet L.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND

Hepsin (HPN) is one of the most consistently overexpressed genes in prostate cancer and there is some evidence supporting an association between HPN gene variants and prostate cancer risk. We report results from a population‐based case–control genetic association study for six tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) in the HPN gene.

METHODS

Prostate cancer risk was estimated using adjusted unconditional logistic regression in 1,401 incident prostate cancer cases diagnosed in 1993 through 1996 or 2002 through 2005 and 1,351 age‐matched controls. Risks of disease recurrence/progression and prostate cancer‐specific mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression in 437 cases with long‐term follow‐up.

RESULTS

There were 135 recurrence/progression events and 57 cases who died of prostate cancer. Contrary to some earlier studies, we found no evidence of altered risk of developing prostate cancer overall or when clinical measures of tumor aggressiveness were considered for any of the tagSNPs, assessed either individually or by haplotypes. There was no evidence of altered risks of tumor recurrence/progression or prostate cancer death associated with variants in the HPN gene.

CONCLUSIONS

Germline genetic variation of HPN does not seem to contribute to risk of prostate cancer or prognosis. Prostate 70: 1012–1019, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetic susceptibility of an antiferromagnetic system with disorder‐driven quantum critical behavior
Authors: Demishev Sergey
Published: February 2010

Based on a simple model, which suggests the relation between paramagnetic temperature in the high‐temperature Curie–Weiss law and the low‐temperature power asymptotic of magnetic susceptibility, and taking recently discovered quantum critical (QC) system Tm1−xYbxB12 as an example, we provide arguments that the study of the link between low‐temperature and high‐temperature magnetic properties of the QC system may be helpful for determination of applicability of the disorder‐driven QC scenario for an experimental system.
Quantum phase transition between antiferromagnetic and charge order in the Hubbard–Holstein model
Authors: Bauer Johannes , Hewson Alex C.
Published: February 2010

We explore the quantum phase transitions between two ordered states in the infinite dimensional Hubbard–Holstein model at half filling. Our study is based on the dynamical mean field theory (DMFT) combined with the numerical renormalization group (NRG), which allows us to handle both strong electron–electron and strong electron–phonon interactions. The transition line is characterized by an effective electron–electron interaction. Depending on this effective interaction and the phonon frequency ω0 one finds either a continuous transition or discontinuous transition. Here, the analysis focuses on the behavior of the system when the electron–electron repulsion U and the phonon‐mediated attraction λ are equal. We first discuss the adiabatic and antiadiabatic limiting cases. For finite ω0 we study the differences between the antiferromagnetic (AFM) and charge order, and find that when present the AFM state has a lower energy on the line.
Quantum phase transitions in NbFe2 and Ca3Ru2O7
Authors: Duncan W. J. , Welzel O. P. , Moroni‐Klementowicz D. , Albrecht C. , Niklowitz P. G. , Grüner D. , Brando M. , Neubauer A. , Pfleiderer C. , Kikugawa N. , Mackenzie A. P. , Grosche F. M.
Published: February 2010

We examine the low temperature states of two transition metal compounds: (i) NbFe2 is poised on the threshold of ferromagnetism and can be pushed into a spin‐aligned state at low temperature by modifying the composition slightly. Stoichiometric NbFe2 has been reported as a rare example of low‐temperature spin density wave order in a d‐metal system. We have used pressure, field and composition tuning to examine the phase diagram of NbFe2. Near the quantum critical point, we find distinct non‐Fermi liquid forms of the resistivity and heat capacity, whereas we observe strong, hysteretic magnetoresistance effects deep in the ordered phase. (ii) Ca3Ru2O7 undergoes first a magnetic transition (TN = 56 K) and then a structural transition (TS = 48 K) on cooling. Most of the Fermi surface is gapped out at low temperature, leading to a very low carrier density and small Fermi surface pockets. Pressure suppresses both TN and TS and, for p > 3.5 GPa, induces a third low temperature state, which is robust up to at least 7.5 GPa.