bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy-based Vascular Structure Enhancement in Time-of-Flight MRA Images for Improved Segmentation
Authors: Schmidt-Richberg A. , Fiehler J. , Illies T. , Möller D. , Handels H. , Säring D. , Forkert N. D.
Published: November 2010

Objectives: Cerebral vascular malformations might lead to strokes due to occurrence of ruptures. The rupture risk is highly related to the individual vascular anatomy. The 3D Time-of-Flight (TOF) MRA technique is a commonly used non-invasive imaging technique for exploration of the vascular anatomy. Several clinical applications require exact cerebrovascular segmentations from this image sequence. For this purpose, intensity-based segmentation approaches are widely used. Since small low-contrast vessels are often not detected, vesselness filter-based segmentation schemes have been proposed, which contrari-wise have problems detecting malformed vessels. In this paper, a fuzzy logic-based method for fusion of intensity and vesselness information is presented, allowing an improved segmentation of malformed and small vessels at preservation of advantages of both approaches.

Methods: After preprocessing of a TOF dataset, the corresponding vesselness image is computed. The role of the fuzzy logic is to voxel-wisely fuse the intensity information from the TOF dataset with the corresponding vesselness information based on an analytically designed rule base. The resulting fuzzy parame ter image can then be used for improved cerebrovascular segmentation.

Results: Six datasets, manually segmented by medical experts, were used for evaluation. Based on TOF, vesselness and fused fuzzy parameter images, the vessels of each patient were segmented using optimal thresholds computed by maximizing the agreement to manual segmentations using the Tanimoto coefficient. The results showed an overall improvement of 0.054 (fuzzy vs. TOF) and 0.079 (fuzzy vs. vesselness). Furthermore, the evaluation has shown that the method proposed yields better results than statistical Bayes classification.

Conclusion: The proposed method can automatically fuse the benefits of intensity and vesselness information and can improve the results of following cerebrovascular segmentations.
Gene characterization of two digestive serine proteases in Sitodiplosis mosellana: implications for alternative control strategies
Authors: Arrueta Lourdes D. , Shukle Richard H. , Wise Ian L. , Mittapalli Omprakash
Published: November 2010

Two full-length cDNA sequences encoding digestive serine proteases (designated as SmPROT-1 and SmPROT-2) were recovered from the midgut of the orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), in an ongoing expressed sequence tag project. The deduced amino acid sequences shared homology with digestive serine proteases from insect and non-insect species, including conserved regions such as the catalytic triad, active pocket, and conserved structural motifs. Secretory signal peptides in both proteases at the N-terminals indicate that these proteins could function as midgut digestive serine proteases. A phylogenetic analysis grouped SmPROT-1 and SmPROT-2 with trypsin-like and chymotrysin-like serine proteases, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that SmPROT-1 and SmPROT-2 were expressed predominantly in the midgut rather than in other tissues (fat body and salivary glands). Expression analyses revealed high mRNA levels for the feeding instars (1st- and 2nd-instar larvae) compared with other stages (neonate, 3rd instar, pupa, and adult). These results provide new insights into the biology of S. mosellana and are discussed in the context of developing alternative control strategies.
Support for religio‐political aggression among teenaged boys in Gaza: Part II: Neuroendocrinological findings
Authors: Victoroff Jeff , Quota Samir , Adelman Janice R. , Celinska Barbara , Stern Naftali , Wilcox Rand , Sapolsky Robert M.
Published: November 2010

Hormones seem to play important roles in the regulation of human aggression. Multiple studies have confirmed that testosterone (T) levels exhibit complex relationships with aggression, dominance, and/or risk‐taking behavior. Some evidence suggests that cortisol (CORT) interacts with T and may also be associated with aspects of mood and aggression. However, almost no research to date has investigated the possibility that these neuroendocrine factors are associated with variations in political attitudes or with political aggression. During the second intifada, we tested the hypothesis that morning salivary T and/or salivary CORT levels might be associated with self‐rated aggression or with support for religio‐political aggression (RPA) among 14‐year‐old Palestinian boys living in Gaza. We obtained and averaged weekly 09:00 hr salivary measures of T and CORT for more than 1 month. Averaged morning T levels did not correlate with self‐rated aggression, but were positively associated with agreement with the statement “religious ends justify any means,” (r = .355, P = .014) and marginally associated with a composite measure of support for RPA (r = .247, P = .094). Average CORT levels were inversely correlated with self‐rated aggression (r = −.328, P = .037) and with anger (r = −.373, P = .016), but CORT levels were not associated with support for RPA or with the statement “religious ends justify any means.” Acknowledging that a modest sample size and methodological issues necessarily limit confidence in our conclusions, these results may represent the first findings regarding neurobiological correlates of support for political aggression. Aggr. Behav. 37:121–132, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact modification of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/polypropylene blend nanocomposites: Fabrication and characterization
Authors: Upadhyay Dinesh , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K. , Parvaiz M. Rahail , Panda Bishnu P.
Published: November 2010

A poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/polypropylene (PP) blend and the nanocomposites were prepared with and without the addition of a compatibilizer precursor [maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP)]. A reactive route was used for the compatibilization with the addition of MAPP during melt blending in a batch mixer. Organically modified nanoclays were used as nanoscale reinforcements to prepare the blend nanocomposites. Mechanical tests revealed optimum performance characteristics at a PTT/PP blend ratio of 80 : 20. Furthermore, incorporation of nanoclays up to 3 wt % showed a higher impact strength and higher tensile strength and modulus in the blend nanocomposites compared to the optimized blend. The nanocomposite formation was established through X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal measurements were carried out with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DSC thermograms revealed an increase in the crystallization temperature in the presence of the nanoclays in the blend system containing Cloisite 30B. TGA thermograms also indicated that the thermal stability of blend increased with the incorporation of Cloisite 30B. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical analysis measurements showed that the Cloisite 30B nanocomposite had the maximum modulus compared to other nanocomposites. TEM micrographs confirmed an intercalated morphology in the blend nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Surface preparation for adhesive bonding of polycyanurate‐based fiber‐reinforced composites using atmospheric plasma treatment
Authors: Zaldivar R. J. , Kim H. I. , Steckel G. L. , Patel D. , Morgan B. A. , Nokes J. P.
Published: November 2010

In this article, the effects of atmospheric plasma treatment on the microstructural, chemical, and mechanical behavior of epoxy‐bonded polycyanurate composites are investigated. Adhesive bond strength of plasma‐treated specimens exhibited strength increases of over 35% to that of peel‐ply and solvent‐wiped surface preparation techniques. The improvements were as much as 50% greater than those obtained using abrasive surface preparation techniques. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed an increase in the surface concentration of oxygen as a function of plasma treatment passes. However, the levels were substantially lower than that of epoxy composites treated under identical conditions. In addition, the concentration of carboxyl groups (OCO), which have been associated with improved adhesive strength in epoxy‐based composites, was shown to saturate in cyanate ester composites after a much lower exposure period than what was observed when treating epoxies. The effect of plasma surface treatment on the surface morphology of the cyanate ester composite was also studied using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Atomic force microscopy analysis showed a progressive increase in surface roughness with treatment; however, this increase only translated into a marginal increase in surface area and is not believed to contribute significantly to adhesive strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Body mass index and clinical response to infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Klaasen Ruth , Wijbrandts Carla A. , Gerlag Danielle M. , Tak Paul P.
Published: November 2010

Objective

Adipose tissue has immunomodulating effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although the exact role is, at present, unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) affects response to infliximab in RA patients investigated prospectively.

Methods

In 89 patients with active RA, the BMI was calculated before initiation of infliximab treatment (3 mg/kg intravenously). After 16 weeks of treatment, changes in disease activity were assessed with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28).

Results

The mean ± SD BMI was 26 ± 5 kg/m2 (range 17–42). The BMI correlated positively with the DAS28 at baseline (r = 0.34, P = 0.001). Since selection of study patients according to DAS28 values could influence the clinical response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockade due to regression to the mean because the clinical response is itself based on the change in the DAS28 values, analysis of covariance was used to correct for the baseline DAS28. A highly significant, negative association between the BMI and the absolute decrease in the DAS28 after 16 weeks (P = 0.001) was found also when adjusted for anti–citrullinated protein antibodies.

Conclusion

Although the infliximab dosage is based on body weight, RA patients with a high BMI responded less well to infliximab, a finding that held true when adjusted for the baseline DAS28 or anti–citrullinated protein antibody status. These results support the notion that adipose tissue may be involved in the pathophysiology of RA and could have implications for other immune‐mediated inflammatory conditions treated with TNF antagonists.
Efficient production of D‐glucosaminic acid from D‐glucosamine by Pseudomonas putida GNA5
Authors: Wu Bin , Bai Zhongzhong , Meng Xiao , He Bingfang
Published: November 2010

D‐glucosaminic acid was produced efficiently from glucosamine by oxidative fermentation using a newly isolated strain, Pseudomonas putida GNA5. After optimization of the fermentation process, 51.5 g L−1
D‐glucosaminic acid was produced from an initial concentration of 60 g L−1
D‐glucosamine‐HCl after 72 h of oxidative fermentation, which corresponded to a molar yield of 95.4%. This production process is potentially of considerable economic significance because very few by‐products were detected. Furthermore, D‐glucosaminic acid was accumulated stably during the oxidative fermentation process without the addition of an inhibitor of D‐glucosaminic acid breakdown, even though D‐glucosamine was exhausted. These results suggest that the mechanisms of D‐glucosaminic acid‐related metabolism differ between Pseudomonas putida GNA5 and the strain Pseudomonas genera, which was previously reported to produce D‐glucosaminic acid. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Computational fluid dynamic simulations of aortic coarctation comparing the effects of surgical‐ and stent‐based treatments on aortic compliance and ventricular workload
Authors: Coogan Jessica Shih , Chan Frandics Pak , Taylor Charles Anthony , Feinstein Jeffrey Allan
Published: November 2010

Objectives: In this work, we examine the effects of stent‐induced aortic stiffness on cardiac workload and blood pressure using computational fluid dynamic simulations. Background: Treatment of aortic coarctation (CoA) consists of either open, surgical repair or angioplasty with or without stenting. Although stenting is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, aortic stiffness increases in the stented section. Concern over this increased stiffness has long been argued to be detrimental to the overall vascular health of the patient. Methods: MR imaging was performed on a 15‐year‐old female with CoA. A 3D model of the large thoracic arteries was created, and the heart and downstream vasculature were represented by lumped parameter models at the model inlet and outlets, respectively. A deformable wall assumption was used in conjunction with variable wall properties and tissue support, and 3D velocity, pressure, and wall dynamics were computed. The lumped parameter values and wall properties were tuned to match the mean flow and aortic deformation as measured by MRI. The CoA was then virtually removed from the model representing an end‐to‐end surgical correction. In a second model, the repaired section was prescribed to be nearly rigid, representing stenting. All other variables remained the same. Results: When compared to surgery, stenting resulted in clinically negligible increases in cardiac work (0.4%) and no change in mean blood pressure. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests CoA stenting may not affect cardiac work to any significant degree as is commonly believed in the clinical community. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ex vivo hemodynamic assessment of mechanical aortic valve gradients using a high‐fidelity pressure wire
Authors: Michaels Andrew D. , Mester David
Published: November 2010

Objectives: Accurate assessment of prosthetic mechanical valve malfunction is challenging for non‐invasive and invasive techniques. We evaluated a 0.014‐inch pressure‐sensing coronary guidewire to assess mechanical valve dysfunction. Background: Several case reports have shown that transaortic pressure gradients can be recorded using a 0.014‐inch guidewire during cardiac catheterization. Methods: We performed an ex vivo study measuring the effects of sequentially crossing the center of each valve with a 6 French coronary angiographic catheter, a 0.035‐inch guidewire, and a 0.014‐inch pressure‐sensing guidewire on valve dysfunction using the following 23 mm bileaflet and tilting‐disc aortic valves: St. Jude Regent™, CarboMedics, Medtronic Hall™, and Björk‐Shiley Monostut. A left heart model pulse duplicator recorded 10 consecutive cycles. Results: For all valves, the greatest increase in valve regurgitation occurred with the 6 French catheter, causing a reduction in aortic valve back pressure and cardiac output, with an increase in leakage rate, regurgitant fraction, and energy loss. In comparison to the 0.035‐inch guidewire, the 0.014‐inch guidewire had greater regurgitation for St. Jude, lower for Medtronic Hall, and equivalent for CarboMedics and Björk‐Shiley valves. For the CarboMedics valve, the 0.035‐inch guidewire caused a significant increase in regurgitant fraction and energy loss, while the pressure wire had no change compared to baseline. Conclusions: The degree of regurgitation caused by the 0.014‐inch guidewire varies with the type of mechanical aortic valve. While prior case reports have shown that valve hemodynamics may be measured using a pressure‐sensing guidewire, valve regurgitation occurs when crossing a St. Jude, Medtronic Hall, or Björk‐Shiley aortic valve. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current and evolving stent evaluation by coronary computed tomographic angiography
Authors: Hecht Harvey S. , Gade Christopher
Published: November 2010

Objectives: To demonstrate the variety of stent abnormalities that may be evaluated by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Background: The application of CTA to the evaluation of coronary stents has focused almost entirely on the detection of in‐stent restenosis. Methods: All CTA performed for stent evaluation at a single institution were reviewed. Results: In addition to in‐stent restenosis, stent fracture, and overlap failure, a multiplicity of stent‐related problems not previously addressed by CTA was categorized and illustrated: late stent thrombosis, jailed branches, edge stenosis, bifurcation stents, inadequate stent expansion, stent aneurysms, peri‐stent plaque, and stenting into bridged myocardium. Conclusions: CTA may be used to evaluate the full range of stent‐related problems. This work provides the framework for future studies validating these applications. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recurrence‐free survival in prostate cancer is related to increased stromal TRAIL expression
Authors: Anees Mariam , Horak Peter , El‐Gazzar Ahmed , Susani Martin , Heinze Georg , Perco Paul , Loda Massimo , Lis Rosina , Krainer Michael , Oh William K.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis‐inducing ligand) is involved in tumor immune surveillance and, thus, may be a potential cancer therapy. TRAIL expression in the tumor microenvironment has been shown to impact cancer survival in multiple tumor types, including ovarian cancer. We studied TRAIL expression and outcomes in patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS:

A tissue microarray (TMA) of 200 prostate cancer patients and benign prostate tissue controls was used to assess the epithelial and stromal protein expression of TRAIL, death receptors (DR4 and DR5), decoy receptors (DcR1 and DcR2), and the FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIPL). We correlated these expression patterns with clinicopathological parameters and determined its impact on recurrence‐free survival.

RESULTS:

Nearly all (99.5%) prostate cancer tissues examined displayed either decreased expression of pro‐apoptotic TRAIL receptors, increased FLIPLexpression, or both. We observed elevated death receptor, decoy receptor, FLIPL, and epithelial TRAIL expression in prostate cancer epithelium. TRAIL expression in the stromal tumor microenvironment surrounding the prostate cancer was markedly lower. Elevated TRAIL expression in the tumor microenvironment was also significantly associated with increased recurrence‐free survival (P= .014), after controlling for other prognostic markers. In contrast, epithelial expression of TRAIL did not have an effect on overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

Expression of the components of the pro‐apoptotic TRAIL pathway is altered in prostate cancer. Moreover, TRAIL expression in the tumor microenvironment may affect recurrence‐free survival rate of prostate cancer patients. Consequently, these results may be useful in devising future therapeutic strategies targeting the TRAIL pathway in prostate cancer. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Diabetes and risk of bladder cancer
Authors: MacKenzie Todd , Zens Michael S. , Ferrara Assiamira , Schned Alan , Karagas Margaret R.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Diabetes is an emerging public health issue in the US, affecting 11% of Americans over the age of 20, with long‐term complications that include cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. A recent meta‐analysis found that bladder cancer incidence was approximately 40% higher in individuals with diabetes; however, few studies considered duration or type of therapy and had limited adjustment for potentially confounding factors.

METHODS:

To further investigate the potential role of diabetes in risk of bladder cancer, the authors analyzed data from a case‐control study conducted in New Hampshire in which patients with bladder cancer, and controls sampled from the population, completed an interview regarding history of diabetes, cigarette smoking history, height, weight, and history of urinary tract infections.

RESULTS:

The study consisted of 331 cases and 263 controls on whom information regarding diabetes was ascertained. History of diabetes was related to an increased bladder cancer risk (adjusted odds ratio = 2.2, 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.8). The association was strongest in those who had diabetes for the longest duration (OR for 16 or more years = 3.6, 1.1 to 11.2) and in those taking oral hypoglycemic medications (OR = 3.3, 1.5 to 7.1).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings support an association between bladder cancer incidence and diabetes, and further suggest that the risk may be greater among patients taking oral hypoglycemics and those with diabetes of longer duration. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Peptide receptor radioligand therapy is an effective treatment for the long‐term stabilization of malignant gastrinomas
Authors: Grozinsky‐Glasberg Simona , Barak Dganit , Fraenkel Merav , Walter Martin A. , Müeller‐Brand Jan , Eckstein Joseph , Applebaum Liat , Shimon Ilan , Gross David J.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Gastrinomas, a rare group of neuroendocrine tumors, are responsible for severe peptic disease and diarrhea. Although symptomatic control may be achieved with proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) and somatostatin analogues (SSAs), data are limited regarding the possible antitumor effect of the peptide receptor radioligand therapy (PRRT) with radiolabeled SSAs in gastrinoma patients. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of PRRT on symptoms, gastrin secretion, and tumor load in patients with progressive malignant gastrinomas.

METHODS:

We retrospectively studied 11 patients with metastatic gastrinomas followed for a mean period of 6 years. All patients were symptomatically treated with PPIs, and 9 of 11 patients received monthly injections of SSAs; all patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 0‐1, and received PRRT (90Yttrium‐ or 177Lutetium‐DOTATOC) for progressive disease. Serum gastrin measurements and radiological assessment (using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria) were performed before and every 3‐6 months following PRRT.

RESULTS:

PRRT induced symptomatic improvement in all patients. The mean serum gastrin decreased significantly from 4831 mI/L to 932.6 mI/L (normal, 40‐108 mI/L; P < .001). Periodic radiological surveillance showed complete response in 1 (9%) patient, partial tumor response in 5/11 (45%) patients, and tumor stabilization in 5/11 (45%) patients. In 7/11 (64%) patients, the antitumor effect of PRRT persisted after a median period of 14 months. Four of 11 (36%) patients died due to tumor progression (median time to progression, 11 months); in this group, the mean survival time after the last PRRT was 14 ± 6.9 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

PRRT seems to be a promising tool for the management of patients with inoperable or progressive metastatic gastrinomas. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Timeliness and quality of diagnostic care for medicare recipients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Friese Christopher R. , Earle Craig C. , Magazu Lysa S. , Brown Jennifer R. , Neville Bridget A. , Hevelone Nathanael D. , Richardson Lisa C. , Abel Gregory A.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about the patterns of care relating to the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including the use of modern diagnostic techniques such as flow cytometry.

METHODS:

The authors used the SEER‐Medicare database to identify subjects diagnosed with CLL from 1992 to 2002 and defined diagnostic delay as present when the number of days between the first claim for a CLL‐associated sign or symptom and SEER diagnosis date met or exceeded the median for the sample. The authors then used logistic regression to estimate the likelihood of delay and Cox regression to examine survival.

RESULTS:

For the 5086 patients analyzed, the median time between sign or symptom and CLL diagnosis was 63 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 0‐251). Predictors of delay included age ≥75 (OR 1.45 [1.27‐1.65]), female gender (OR 1.22 [1.07‐1.39]), urban residence (OR 1.46 [1.19 to 1.79]), ≥1 comorbidities (OR 2.83 [2.45‐3.28]) and care in a teaching hospital (OR 1.20 [1.05‐1.38]). Delayed diagnosis was not associated with survival (HR 1.11 [0.99‐1.25]), but receipt of flow cytometry within thirty days before or after diagnosis was (HR 0.84 [0.76‐0.91]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Sociodemographic characteristics affect diagnostic delay for CLL, although delay does not seem to impact mortality. In contrast, receipt of flow cytometry near the time of diagnosis is associated with improved survival. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Malignant sarcoma of the pelvic bones
Authors: Jawad Muhammad Umar , Haleem Abdul Ahad , Scully Sean P.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Treatment of malignant sarcomas of the pelvis poses a challenge for local disease control and oncologic outcome. Many reports have described the dismal outcomes. Most studies are retrospective series coming out of single centers, thus biased toward patient selection and are of limited statistical power.

METHODS:

The authors used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to analyze 1185 pelvic sarcoma cases from 1987 to 2006. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression were used to analyze the significance of prognostic factors. The analysis was repeated for different histopathological subtypes to determine specific prognostic factors in each case.

RESULTS:

Incidence of pelvic sarcoma in 2006 was 89 per 100,000 persons; it has significantly increased since 1973 (P < .05). The overall 5‐year survival for all the patients with pelvic sarcoma was 47%, with osteosarcoma having the worst 5‐year survival at 19% and patients with chordoma having the best 5‐year survival at 60%. Independent prognostic factors included age, stage, grade, size of primary lesion, histopathology, and treatment‐related factors. Comparing the patients only with high‐grade lesions, patients with Ewing sarcoma have the best prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is an analysis of patients with pelvic sarcomas derived from a population‐based registry. Survival and prognostics vary with histopathological diagnoses. Although surgical resection was associated with superior outcomes for osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma, there was no significant difference in outcomes of patients with Ewing sarcoma treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
MicroRNA profiling of adrenocortical tumors reveals miR‐483 as a marker of malignancy
Authors: Patterson Erin E. , Holloway Alisha K. , Weng Julie , Fojo Tito , Kebebew Electron
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

The authors are interested in identifying molecular markers that can aid in the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). The aim of this study was to identify microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) that are differentially expressed in malignant adrenocortical tumors as compared with benign tumors and assess their potential as diagnostic predictors.

METHODS:

Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using microarray profiling of adrenocortical tumors and validated by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR.

RESULTS:

Microarray profiling in benign and primary malignant adrenocortical tumors revealed several significant differences between these histological groups. By using directed quantitative RT‐PCR analysis on a subset of these differentially expressed miRNAs, the authors determined that miRs ‐100, ‐125b, and ‐195 were significantly down‐regulated, whereas miR‐483‐5p was significantly up‐regulated in malignant as compared with benign tumors. Furthermore, the current study shows that miR‐483‐5p expression can accurately categorize tumors as benign or malignant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The authors identified 4 miRNAs that are dysregulated in adrenocortical carcinoma. The high expression of one of these, miR‐483‐5p, appears to be a defining characteristic of adrenocortical malignancies, and can thus be used to accurately distinguish between benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Breast cancer recurrence diagnosis suspected on tumor marker rising
Authors: Champion Laurence , Brain Etienne , Giraudet Anne‐Laure , Le Stanc Elise , Wartski Myriam , Edeline Véronique , Madar Olivier , Bellet Dominique , Pecking Alain , Alberini Jean‐Louis
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Breast cancer recurrence is often suspected on tumor marker rising in asymptomatic patients. The value of fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG)–positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging to detect recurrence and its subsequent impact on patient management were retrospectively assessed.

METHODS:

PET/CT scans were performed on 228 asymptomatic patients (mean, 60.8 years; range, 30‐91 years) presenting with rising CA 15‐3 and/or CEA serum levels.

RESULTS:

PET/CT scans were positive in 181 patients (79.5%) and normal in 47 patients, whereas 187 true recurrences were diagnosed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of PET/CT imaging for detection of breast cancer recurrence were 93.6%, 85.4%, 96.7%, 74.5%, and 92.1%, respectively. When compared with the standard workup available in 67 patients, PET/CT imaging had a higher sensitivity and accuracy (94.5% vs 33% and 94% vs 48%, respectively). Recurrences were confirmed by pathology, conventional imaging techniques, or radiological and clinical follow‐up beyond 1 year (mean, 34 months; range, 12‐67 years) in 32, 130, and 25 patients, respectively. The diagnosis of recurrence led to a treatment modification in 123 patients (54%).

CONCLUSIONS:

18FDG‐PET/CT imaging is an efficient technique to detect breast cancer recurrence suspected on tumor marker rising in asymptomatic patients. It may thus contribute to improve patient management, providing an earlier diagnosis with complete whole‐body staging as a “one‐stop shop” procedure. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Diagnostic criteria and risk‐adapted approach to indeterminate thyroid cytodiagnosis
Authors: Abele John S. , Levine Robert A.
Published: November 2010

Significant numbers of overdiagnoses of thyroid needle biopsies as “indeterminate” create a risk of surgery for benign disease. Overdiagnoses can be reduced by appropriate criteria and a risk‐adapted approach to cytodiagnosis. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010;. © 2010 American Cancer Society
Directed in vivo angiogenesis assay and the study of systemic neoangiogenesis in cancer
Authors: Napoli Claudio , Giordano Antonio , Casamassimi Amelia , Pentimalli Francesca , Ignarro Louis J. , De Nigris Filomena
Published: November 2010

Targeting neoangiogenesis is a well‐established anticancer strategy, however, one of the major problems in angiogenesis research, both at the basic and applied levels, remains the development of suitable in vivo methods for assessing and quantifying the systemic angiogenic response. Therefore, there is an urgent need to adopt technically simple and reproducible methodologies which allow to easily quantify neoangiogenesis independently of morphological parameters. Recently, a reproducible and quantitative method was developed, the directed in vivo angiogenesis assay (DIVAA) consisting of the subcutaneous implantation of surgical grade silicone cylinders closed at one end, called angioreactors, into the dorsal flanks of nude mice. In the past few years, DIVAA has been successfully used in evaluating the inhibition and or enhancement of systemic perturbation of angiogenesis by several molecules. Thus, DIVAA studies systemic angiogenesis and its therapeutic modulation associated to cancer progression and metastasis.
EpCAM‐ and EGFR‐targeted selective gene therapy for biliary cancers using Z33‐fiber‐modified adenovirus
Authors: Kawashima Rei , Abei Masato , Fukuda Kuniaki , Nakamura Kiminori , Murata Takehide , Wakayama Mariko , Seo Emiko , Hasegawa Naoyuki , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Obata Yuichi , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Hamada Hirofumi , Yokoyama Kazunari K.
Published: November 2010

A critical issue in adenovirus (Ad)‐based cancer gene therapy is to improve the specificity of gene delivery to cancer cells for better efficacy and safety. We explored methods of retargeting Ad vectors for selective gene therapy of human biliary cancers using the Ad incorporating an IgG Fc‐binding motif (Z33) from the Staphylococcus protein A (Ad‐FZ33) combined with tumor‐specific antibodies. Flow cytometry analysis revealed high‐expression levels of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on human biliary cancer cells. Ad‐FZ33 expressing LacZ combined with antibodies against EpCAM or EGFR, followed by β‐gal assay, demonstrated highly efficient gene transduction in these biliary cancer cells, compared to the treatment with control antibody or without antibody. Ad‐FZ33 expressing uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (UPRT), an enzyme which greatly enhances the toxicity of 5‐fluorouracil (FU), combined with antibodies against EpCAM or EGFR, remarkably enhanced the sensitivity of biliary cancer cells to 5‐FU. By contrast, the treatment did not affect the 5‐FU sensitivity of the cells not expressing EpCAM or EGFR including normal hepatocytes. Finally, treatments with the UPRT‐expressing Ad‐FZ33 with antibodies against EpCAM or EGFR, followed by 5‐FU administration, significantly suppressed the growth of biliary cancer xenografts in nude mice. These results indicate that the gene therapy mediated by the Z33 fiber modified Ad with anti‐EpCAM or anti‐EGFR antibodies offers a potentially effective therapeutic modality against biliary cancers.
In vitro study on Zr‐based bulk metallic glasses as potential biomaterials
Authors: Wang Y. B. , Zheng Y. F. , Wei S. C. , Li M.
Published: November 2010

With pure Ti and pure Zr as controls, the corrosion resistance, ion release behavior, and in vitro biocompatibility of Be‐containing Zr41Ti14Cu12Ni10Be23 bulk metallic glass (BMG) (LM1), Zr44Ti11Cu10Ni10Be25 BMG (LM1b), and Be‐free Zr57Nb5Cu15.4Ni12.6Al10 BMG (LM106) were investigated in terms of electrochemical measurements in simulated body fluid (SBF) with pH value 7.4 and artificial saliva (AS) with pH value 6.3, and 3‐[4,4‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using L929 and NIH3T3 cells, aiming to assess the feasibility of Zr‐based BMGs as potential biomaterial. It was found that LM1b showed superior corrosion resistance to LM106 and LM1 in both SBF and AS, and comparable with pure Ti and pure Zr. After 7200 s immersion, a two‐layer structure oxide film was formed on LM1, LM1b, and pure Zr surfaces, while one‐layer structure oxide film was formed on LM106 and pure Ti surfaces. The pitting corrosion potentials of LM1b were much higher than that of LM1, LM106, and pure Zr, resulting in very few ions releasing into the electrolytes. No Be ion could be detected but a little amount of Cu ion was detected for LM106, LM1, and LM1b after immersion in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium for 72 h at 37°C. The indirect cytotoxicity results show that LM106, LM1, and LM1b extracts had no cytotoxicity to L929 and NIH3T3 cells. The direct cytotoxicity results show that cells could adhere well on the Zr‐based BMG surface as in pure Ti and Zr. Lower cell proliferation rate of LM106 and LM1 is observed when compared with LM1b, which was found to be caused by Cu ion releasing rather than by Be ion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by bioaffinity adsorption coupled with TiO2 photocatalysis
Authors: Chen Enzan , Su Haijia , Tan Tianwei
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND: On the basis of effective bioaffinity adsorption of Ag+, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized on the surface of chitosan‐TiO2 adsorbent (CTA) by TiO2 photocatalysis for crystal growth.

RESULTS: Among the microstructure characterizations of the resulting silver nanoparticles‐ loaded chitosan‐TiO2 adsorbent (Ag‐CTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) revealed the formation of metallic Ag on the CTA, which was further confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance of Ag NPs in the UV‐visible absorption spectrum. The underlying mechanism behind the formation of Ag NPs on the CTA by TiO2 photoreduction was studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The distinctive feature of Ag‐CTA after adsorption was the highly efficient antimicrobial activity in inactivating different test strains. In the case of Escherichia coli, 1.50 mg 1.67 wt% Ag‐CTA could totally inhibit 1.0–1.2 × 107 colony forming units (CFU) in 100 mL nutrient medium, which was superior to that previously reported.

CONCLUSIONS: CTA effectively adsorbed the precious metal ion Ag+ onto active imprinting sites on the adsorbent and then exerted efficient antimicrobial effects against diverse microbes. This research will be useful for designing a novel CTA‐based wastewater treatment for multi‐functional performance. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Gross morphology, histology, and ultrastructure of the alimentary system of Ricinulei (Arachnida) with emphasis on functional and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Talarico Giovanni , Lipke Elisabeth , Alberti Gerd
Published: November 2010

Ricinuleid functional mouthparts are the cucullus, the chelicerae, the pedipalps, and the labrum. These structures are movably jointed to the rest of the prosoma, most likely protruded upon hydrostatic hemolymph pressure and retracted by prosomal muscles. Seta‐like protrusions from the labrum and the pedipalpal coxae form a sieve‐like filter inside the preoral cavity and the mouth. Although the tip of the labrum can be elevated upon muscle constriction, ingestion of large, solid food particles is unlikely. The mouth has a crescent‐shaped cross section. The cuticle‐lined, also crescent‐shaped pharynx is equipped with a large dilator muscle but lacks antagonistic constrictor muscles. It represents a precerebral sucking pump. The triangular to Y‐shaped, cuticle‐lined esophagus is equipped with constrictor and dilator muscles. Its posterior part represents a postcerebral sucking pump. Four blind ending diverticula ramify from the anterior prosomal part of the entodermal midgut tube. Two of these diverticula remain inside the prosoma and form few short branches. The other two extend through the pedicel into the opisthosoma and ramify and coil there. A stercoral pocket protrudes ventrally out of the midgut tube. The most distal part of the midgut tube is modified into a contractile rectal gland. Its secretions may have defensive or physiological functions. A short anal atrium is formed by the cuticle‐lined ectodermal hindgut which opens at the end of the three‐segmented metasoma. The telescoping segments of the metasoma are protruded by hemolymph pressure and retracted by muscles. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corallite wall and septal microstructure in scleractinian reef corals: Comparison of molecular clades within the family Faviidae
Authors: Budd Ann F. , Stolarski Jarosław
Published: November 2010

Recent molecular phylogenies conflict with traditional scleractinian classification at ranks ranging from suborder to genus, challenging morphologists to discover new characters that better agree with molecular data. Such characters are essential for including fossils in analyses and tracing evolutionary patterns through geologic time. We examine the skeletal morphology of 36 species belonging to the traditional families Faviidae, Merulinidae, Pectiniidae, and Trachyphylliidae (3 Atlantic, 14 Indo‐Pacific, 2 cosmopolitan genera) at the macromorphological, micromorphological, and microstructural levels. Molecular analyses indicate that the families are not monophyletic groups, but consist of six family‐level clades, four of which are examined [clade XV =Diploastrea heliopora; clade XVI =Montastraea cavernosa; clade XVII (“Pacific faviids”) = Pacific faviids (part) + merulinids (part) + pectiniids (part) +M. annulariscomplex; clade XXI (“Atlantic faviids”) = Atlantic faviids (part) + Atlantic mussids].

Comparisons among molecular clades indicate that micromorphological and microstructural characters (singly and in combination) are clade diagnostic, but with two exceptions, macromorphologic characters are not. The septal teeth of “Atlantic faviids” are paddle‐shaped (strong secondary calcification axes) or blocky, whereas the septal teeth of “Pacific faviids” are spine‐shaped or multidirectional. Corallite walls in “Atlantic faviids” are usually septothecal, with occasional trabeculothecal elements; whereas corallite walls in “Pacific faviids” are usually trabeculothecal or parathecal or they contain abortive septa. Exceptions include subclades of “Pacific faviids” consisting of a)CaulastraeaandOulophyllia(strong secondary axes) and b)Cyphastrea(septothecal walls).Diploastreahas a diagnostic synapticulothecal wall and thick triangular teeth;Montastraea cavernosais also distinct, possessing both “Pacific faviid” (abortive septa) and “Atlantic faviid” (paddle‐shaped teeth) attributes. The development of secondary axes is similar in traditional Atlantic faviids and mussids, supporting molecular results placing them in the same clade. Subclades of “Pacific faviids” reveal differences in wall structure and the arrangement and distinctiveness of centers of rapid accretion. J. Morphol. 272:66–88, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression analysis of proline rich 15 (Prr15) in mouse and human gastrointestinal tumors
Authors: Meunier Dominique , Patra Kalicharan , Smits Ron , Hägebarth Andrea , Lüttges Angela , Jaussi Rolf , Wieduwilt Matthew J. , Quintanilla‐Fend Leticia , Himmelbauer Heinz , Fodde Riccardo , Fundele Reinald H.
Published: November 2010

Proline rich 15 (Prr15), which encodes a protein of unknown function, is expressed almost exclusively in postmitotic cells both during fetal development and in adult tissues, such as the intestinal epithelium and the testis. To determine if this specific expression is lost in intestinal neoplasias, we examined Prr15 expression by in situ hybridization (ISH) on mouse intestinal tumors caused by different gene mutations, and on human colorectal cancer (CRC) samples. Prr15/PRR15 expression was consistently observed in mouse gastrointestinal (GI) tumors caused by mutations in the Apc gene, as well as in several advanced stage human CRCs. In contrast, no Prr15 expression was detected in intestinal tumors derived from mice carrying mutations in the Smad3, Smad4, or Cdkn1b genes. These findings, combined with the fact that a majority of sporadic human CRCs carry APC mutations, strongly suggest that the expression of Prr15/PRR15 in mouse and human GI tumors is linked, directly or indirectly, to the absence of the APC protein or, more generally, to the disruption of the Wnt signaling pathway. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motivation and self‐regulation assessments: Professional practices and needs of school psychologists
Authors: Cleary Timothy J. , Gubi Aaron , Prescott Michelle V.
Published: November 2010

The current study examined differences between urban and suburban school psychologists in terms of their motivation and self‐regulation assessment beliefs, practices, and professional development needs. Using a sample of 96 urban and 47 suburban school psychologists sampled from 22 school districts in a Midwestern state, we found that the two groups were not differentiated across most survey items. Of primary practical importance, however, urban and suburban practitioners encountered motivation and self‐regulation referrals on a relatively frequent basis, perceived these processes to be valuable, and were strongly interested in professional development training. Interestingly, both groups of practitioners indicated that they do not routinely evaluate these processes in youth and were unfamiliar with many commercially available and research‐oriented motivation/self‐regulation self‐report scales. These results are consistent with the premise that there is a disconnect between the types of assessments that practitioners perceive to be valuable and the extent to which they actually engage in those practices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Atmospheric plasma treatment of pre‐electrospinning polymer solution: A feasible method to improve electrospinnability
Authors: Shi Quan , Vitchuli Narendiran , Nowak Joshua , Lin Zhan , Guo Bingkun , Mccord Marian , Bourham Mohamed , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: November 2010

The electrospinnability of polyethylene oxide (PEO) was manipulated by atmospheric plasma treatment of pre‐electrospinning solutions. Conductivity, viscosity, and surface tension of PEO solutions increased after plasma treatment, and the plasma effect remained longer when the solution concentrate increased. Both untreated and treated solutions were then electrospun, and the morphology of the resultant nanofibers was observed by SEM. Atmospheric plasma treatment improved the electrospinnability of PEO solutions and led to less beads and finer diameter distribution in the resultant nanofibers. Additionally, plasma treatment of the pre‐electrospinning solutions affected the crystal structure of resultant nanofibers. These results suggest that atmospheric plasma treatment is a feasible approach to improve the electrospinnability of polymer solutions and can used to control the structure of electrospun nanofibers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Human–Animal Bonds Between Zoo Professionals and the Animals in Their Care
Authors: Hosey Geoff , Melfi Vicky
Published: November 2010

Some human‐animal relationships can be so positive that they confer emotional well‐being to both partners and can thus be viewed as bonds. In this study, 130 delegates at zoo research and training events completed questionnaires in which they were asked about their professional work in the zoo and whether they believed they had established bonds with any animals. They were also asked to indicate agreement or disagreement with several statements about human‐animal bonds. Results showed that many zoo professionals consider that they have established bonds with some of their animals; 103 respondents believed that they had a bond with at least one animal, and 78 of these identified that the bond was with a zoo animal. The most frequent bonds reported were with primates (n = 24) and carnivores (n = 28). Perceived benefits of these bonds to the respondents included both operational (animal easier to handle, easier to administer treatments to) and affective (sense of well‐being, enjoyment at being with the animal). Identifying benefits to the animals was more difficult. Most respondents identified similar benefits for their animals as for themselves, i.e. operational (animal responded more calmly, appeared less stressed) and affective (animal appeared to enjoy contact with respondent, seemed more content). This suggests that bonding between zoo professionals and their animals could have profound consequences for the management and welfare of the animals, not to mention the job satisfaction of the people involved. Zoo Biol 31:13;–26, 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.