bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carcinogenicity and hormone studies with the tissue‐selective estrogen receptor modulator bazadoxifene
Authors: Wright David J. , Earnhardt J. Nicole , Perry Richard , Bailey Steven , Komm Barry , Minck Daniel R. , Cukierski Mark A.
Published: September 2012

Bazedoxifene Acetate (BZA) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is approved for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. To assess for carcinogenic potential, BZA was administered ad libitum in the diet to rats for 2 years. BZA caused an increase in benign ovarian tumors in female rats and decreased incidences of mammary tumors (females) and pituitary tumors (males and females). In addition, BZA provided a significant survival benefit at all dosages tested, which correlated with a significant reduction in pituitary and mammary gland tumors and decreased body weight gain (both genders). Additional studies were subsequently conducted in rats and monkeys to further explore the mechanisms likely responsible for the observed effects. Results from studies in hypophysectomized and chemically castrated female rats indicated that BZA did not directly stimulate formation of ovarian cysts, but an intact pituitary was required for cyst formation. Further, BZA increased estradiol concentrations in rats and monkeys. In monkeys, BZA increased concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) after onset of treatment and prohibited the preovulatory surge of LH until after cessation of treatment. These hormonal changes suggest that BZA inhibited both the positive and negative feedback effects of estrogen on gonadotropins and the resulting increase in LH caused formation and persistence of ovarian cysts, which eventually transformed into benign ovarian granulosa cell tumors in the rat carcinogenicity study. These results also suggest that the reductions in pituitary and mammary gland tumors were attributed to BZA‐related antagonism of endogenous estrogens at the estrogen receptors. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 724–733, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation of intracellular pH in cancer cell lines under normoxia and hypoxia
Authors: Hulikova Alzbeta , Harris Adrian L. , Vaughan‐Jones Richard D. , Swietach Pawel
Published: September 2012

Acid‐extrusion by active transport is important in metabolically active cancer cells, where it removes excess intracellular acid and sets the intracellular resting pH. Hypoxia is a major trigger of adaptive responses in cancer, but its effect on acid‐extrusion remains unclear. We studied pH‐regulation under normoxia and hypoxia in eight cancer cell‐lines (HCT116, RT112, MDA‐MB‐468, MCF10A, HT29, HT1080, MiaPaca2, HeLa) using the pH‐sensitive fluorophore, cSNARF‐1. Hypoxia responses were triggered by pre‐incubation in low O2 or with the 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase inhibitor dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG). By selective pharmacological inhibition or transport‐substrate removal, acid‐extrusion flux was dissected into components due to Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) and Na+‐dependent HCO transport. In half of the cell‐lines (HCT116, RT112, MDA‐MB‐468, MCF10A), acid‐extrusion on NHE was the dominant flux during an acid load, and in all of these, bar one (MDA‐MB‐468), NHE‐flux was reduced following hypoxic incubation. Further studies in HCT116 cells showed that <4‐h hypoxic incubation reduced NHE‐flux reversibly with a time‐constant of 1–2 h. This was not associated with a change in expression of NHE1, the principal NHE isoform. Following 48‐h hypoxia, inhibition of NHE‐flux persisted but became only slowly reversible and associated with reduced expression of the glycosylated form of NHE1. Acid‐extrusion by Na+‐dependent HCO transport was hypoxia‐insensitive and comparable in all cell lines. This constitutive and stable element of pH‐regulation was found to be important for setting and stabilizing resting pH at a mildly alkaline level (conducive for growth), irrespective of oxygenation status. In contrast, the more variable flux on NHE underlies cell‐specific differences in their dynamic response to larger acid loads. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 743–752, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The pattern and risk factors of recurrence of proximal gastric cancer after curative resection
Authors: Li Fangxuan , Zhang Rupeng , Liang Han , Liu Hui , Quan Jichuan
Published: September 2012

Purpose

To explore the time and pattern of recurrence of proximal gastric cancer and estimate the risk factors and prognostic factors for it. Considering these risk factors, postoperative adjuvant therapies and follow‐up program can be individualized.

Methods

The data of 135 recurrence proximal gastric cancer patients were extracted and analyzed.

Results

In 135 recurrence patients, the median time to recurrence was 14.0 months, 116 (85.9%) patients had recurrences within 2 years. Loco‐regional recurrence was the most prevalent pattern. Hematogenous metastasis was next prevalent pattern in which the liver was the most common organ. Peritoneal recurrence occurred in 32 patients. Five patients recurred in distant lymph nodes. The deeper invasion was associated with higher incidence of hematogenous metastases and peritoneal recurrence. The histological type, depth of invasion, and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for overall recurrence. While, negative lymph nodes counts were another independent risk factors for early recurrence. Patients with systemic recurrence and early recurrence patients had poorer prognosis.

Conclusion

Total gastrectomy and adequate lymph nodes dissection were rational choice of proximal gastric cancer with deeper invasion. Pathologic predictors of invasion, histological type, lymph nodes metastasis and negative lymph node counts could guide individualized, risk‐oriented adjuvant treatment, and follow‐up plan. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:130–135. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liquid chromatographic separation and thermodynamic investigation of stereoisomers of darunavir on Chiralpak AD‐Hcolumn
Authors: Rao Ramisetti Nageswara , Kumar Kandukuri Nagesh , Kumar Bompelli Sravan
Published: September 2012

Liquid chromatographic separation of stereoisomers of darunavir on Chiralpak AD‐H, a column containing the stationary phase coated with amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) as a chiral selector, was studied under normal‐phase conditions at different temperatures between 20 and 50°C. The effect of quality and quantity of different polar organic modifiers viz: methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol, and 2‐propanol in the mobile phase as well as column temperature on retention, separation, and resolution was investigated and optimized. The optimum separation was accomplished using a mobile phase composed of n‐hexane/ethanol/diethyl amine (80:20:0.1 v/v/v) at 40°C. Apparent thermodynamic parameters ΔH0 and ΔS* were derived from the Van't Hoff plots (lnk′ versus 1/T) and used to explain the strength of interactions between the stereoisomers and amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) coated chiral stationary phase.
On the fundamental structure of femtosecond laser‐induced nanogratings
Authors: Richter S. , Plech A. , Steinert M. , Heinrich M. , Döring S. , Zimmermann F. , Peschel U. , Kley E.Bernhard , Tünnermann A. , Nolte S.
Published: September 2012

The nanoscale structure of femtosecond laser‐induced modifications known as “nanogratings” has been the subject of speculation and intensive debate throughout the decade since their discovery. The aim of this work is to gain dependable information on the three‐dimensional (3D) substructure of nanogratings down to the nanometre scale. To this end, non‐destructive small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) was employed to determine the characteristic sizes associated with the smallest features over a wide range of inscription parameters. The characteristic size of these cavities is 30 × 200 × 300 nm3 and largely independent of the exposure parameters, whereas prolonged exposure to laser pulses leads to an increase in their total number. Subsequently, focused ion beam (FIB) milling was used to dissect an extended volume and for the first time directly observe the 3D structure of nanogratings with nanometre resolution. The experiments clearly show that hollow cavities are the primary constituents of nanogratings and that their sheet‐like arrangement gives rise to the well‐known periodicity.
Effect of Nanoclay on in situ Preparation of “All Acrylate” ABA Triblock Copolymers via ATRP and Their Morphology
Authors: Singha Nikhil K. , Kavitha Amalin , Haloi Dhruba J. , Mandal Prithwiraj , Janke Andreas , Jehnichen Dieter , Komber Hartmut , Voit Brigitte
Published: September 2012

The preparation and characterization of a series of poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(butyl acrylate)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) ABA triblock copolymers and their clay nanocomposites via in situ ATRP is reported. The molecular weights and the chemical structures of these nanocomposites are characterized by means of GPC, FTIR, and NMR analyses. DSC, AFM, and SAXS analyses prove a nanophase‐separated morphology in the block copolymer/clay nanocomposites. DMA analysis demonstrates an additional reinforcing effect of nanoclay in the block copolymer nanocomposites. AFM analysis indicates that the bulk polymer has a cylindrical morphology that is unaffected in the nanocomposite, as corroborated by SAXS analysis.
Abundance and short‐term temporal variability of fecal microbiota in healthy dogs
Authors: Garcia‐Mazcorro Jose F. , Dowd Scot E. , Poulsen Jeffrey , Steiner Jörg M. , Suchodolski Jan S.
Published: September 2012

Temporal variations of intestinal microorganisms have been investigated in humans, but limited information is available for other animal species. The aim of the study was to evaluate the abundance and short‐term temporal variability of fecal microbiota in dogs. Two fecal samples were collected (15 days apart) from six healthy dogs. The microbiota was evaluated using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and 454‐pyrosequencing targeting the 16S rRNA and its gene. Pyrosequencing revealed 15 families comprising >80% of all microbiota, over time intraindividual coefficients of variation (%CV) ranged from 2% to 141% (median: 55%). In contrast, the interindividual %CV ranged from 62% to 230% (median: 145%). Relative proportions of Faecalibacterium (important for intestinal health) and Subdoligranulum were low (two dogs harbored 4–7% of Subdoligranulum, the remaining dogs had <1% of either genus). Conversely, FISH revealed that Faecalibacterium comprised a median of 5% of total counts (range: 0–8%, probe Fprau645). A novel FISH probe (Faecali 698) was tested that, compared with Fprau645, can detect in silico a similar percentage of Faecalibacterium but higher proportions of Subdoligranulum. This probe revealed a high percentage of Faecalibacterium–Subdoligranulum (median: 16% of total counts). Future studies should consider the observed variability and discrepancies in microbial abundance between FISH and 454‐pyrosequencing.
Oroxylin a prevents inflammation‐related tumor through down‐regulation of inflammatory gene expression by inhibiting NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Yao Jing , Hu Rong , Sun Jie , Lin Biqi , Zhao Li , Sha Yunying , Zhu Binbin , You Qi‐Dong , Yan Tianhua , Guo Qing‐Long
Published: September 2012

Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory microenvironment plays a critical role at different stages of tumor development. However, the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between inflammation and proliferation of cancer cells remain poorly defined. Here we reported the inhibitory effects of oroxylin A on the inflammation‐stimulated proliferation of tumor cells and delineated the mechanism of its action. The results indicated that treatment with oroxylin A inhibited NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of IκBα and IKKα/β in both human colon tumor HCT116 cells and human monocytes THP‐1 cells. In addition, in THP‐1 cells, oroxylin A significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced secretion of prototypical proinflammatory cytokine IL‐6 but not IL‐1β, and it was confirmed at the transcription level. Moreover, oroxylin A inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 cells stimulated by LPS‐induced THP‐1 cells in co‐culture microenvironment. In summary, oroxylin A modulated NF‐κB signaling pathway involved in inflammation‐induced cancer initiation and progression and therefore could be a potential cancer chemoprevention agent for inflammation‐related cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dose‐dependent absorption of chlorogenic acids in the small intestine assessed by coffee consumption in ileostomists
Authors: Erk Thomas , Williamson Gary , Renouf Mathieu , Marmet Cynthia , Steiling Heike , Dionisi Fabiola , Barron Denis , Melcher Ralf , Richling Elke
Published: September 2012

Scope

Until now, the question of how the ingested doses of chlorogenic acids (CGA) from coffee influence their absorption and metabolism remains unresolved. To assess absorption in the small intestine, we performed a dose‐response study with a randomized, double‐blinded, crossover design with ileostomist subjects.

Methods and results

After a polyphenol‐free diet, the volunteers consumed, on three separate occasions, coffee with different total CGA contents (high 4525 μmol; medium 2219 μmol; low 1053 μmol). CGA concentrations in plasma, ileal effluent, and urine were subsequently determined by HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MS and ‐ESI‐MS/MS. The results show that the consumption of higher CGA concentrations leads to a faster ileal excretion. This corresponds to a renal excretion of 8.0 ± 4.9% (high), 12.1 ± 6.7% (medium), and 14.6 ± 6.8% (low) of total CGA and metabolites. Glucuronidation of CGA became slightly greater with increasing dose. After enzyme treatment, the area under the curve (AUC)0–8h for CGA metabolites in plasma was 4412 ± 751 nM × h0–8−1 (high), 2394 ± 637 nM × h0–8−1 (medium), 1782 ± 731 nM × h0–8−1 (low), respectively. Additionally, we were able to identify new metabolites of CGA in urine and ileal fluid.

Conclusion

We conclude that the consumption of high CGA concentrations via coffee might influence the gastrointestinal transit time and consequently affect CGA absorption and metabolism.
RGD‐peptide lunasin inhibits Akt‐mediated NF‐κB activation in human macrophages through interaction with the αVβ3 integrin
Authors: Cam Anthony , de Mejia Elvira Gonzalez
Published: September 2012

Scope

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States and regulation of aberrant macrophage activity under inflammatory conditions is critical for its prevention. The objective was to determine the effect of lunasin on the inhibition of Akt‐mediated activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)‐dependent markers of inflammation and to characterize the physical interaction of lunasin with the αVβ3 integrin receptor in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced human THP‐1 macrophages.

Methods and results

The effect of lunasin was evaluated in vitro in LPS‐induced THP‐1 human macrophages using immunoassays, co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP), and fluorescence confocal microscopy. Lunasin (50 μM) reduced cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and NO levels by 57.9, 64.5, and 76.2%, respectively, and inhibited the activation of phosphorylated Akt and NF‐κB p65 by 59.5 and 74.5%, respectively. Lunasin (50 μM) reduced exogenous release of prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor‐α by 92.5 and 94.9%, respectively. Vitronectin (10 μg/mL), an integrin ligand, increased expression of proinflammatory markers, whereas lunasin (50 μM) attenuated them. Co‐IP of lunasin‐treated cells confirmed direct interaction with αVβ3 integrin and LC/MS/MS verified its identity. Lunasin was detected within intracellular vesicles and reduced total αVβ3 intensity as observed by fluorescence microscopy.

Conclusion

Lunasin inhibited αVβ3 integrin‐mediated proinflammatory markers and downregulated Akt‐mediated NF‐κB pathways through interaction with αVβ3 integrin.
BASHD‐J‐resolved‐COSY: a new method for measuring proton‐proton spin coupling constants of multiplet signals
Authors: Furihata Kazuo , Tashiro Mitsuru
Published: September 2012

An effective pulse sequence for measuring H–H coupling constants, named BASHD‐J‐resolved‐COSY, has been developed. In the spin systems such as –CHA–CHB(CH3)–CHC–, a methine proton HB splits into a multiplet owing to several vicinal couplings, resulting in attenuation of its cross‐peak intensity. Therefore, the measurements of 3JH–H with respect to HB are generally difficult in the E‐COSY‐type experiments. With the aim of accurate measurements of 3JH‐H in such a spin system, we have developed a new pulse sequence, which selectively decouples the secondary methyl group. The proposed pulse sequence provides the simplified cross‐peak patterns, which are suitable for reliable measurements of 3JH‐H in a complicated natural product. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analyses of three legume species reveals conserved and unique root extracellular proteins
Authors: Liao Chengsong , Hochholdinger Frank , Li Chunjian
Published: September 2012

Increasing evidence suggests that root extracellular proteins are involved in interactions between roots and their soil environment. In the present study, exudates released by 6‐day‐old roots of the three legume species white lupin (Lupinus albus), soybean (Glycine max), and cowpea (Vigna sinensis) were collected under axenic conditions, and their constitutively secreted proteomes were analyzed. Between 42 and 93 unique root extracellular proteins with 2 or more different peptide fragments per protein were identified by LC‐MS/MS. Functional annotation of these proteins classified them into 14–16 different functional categories. Among those 14 homologous proteins were identified in at least two legume species. Among the unique proteins, 58 in white lupin, 85 in soybean, and 31 in cowpea were specific for each plant species, and many of them were classified in the same functional categories. Interestingly, in contrast to soybean and cowpea, two protein bands of approximately 16 and 30 kDa were present on the SDS‐PAGE gel of white lupin. The identification of these bands revealed a class III chitinase and a thaumatin‐like protein. Both belong to the class of pathogenesis‐related proteins. The results imply that root extracellular proteins play important roles in the cross‐talk between plant roots and the rhizosphere.
Proteomic exploration of the impacts of pomegranate fruit juice on the global gene expression of prostate cancer cell
Authors: Lee Song‐Tay , Wu Yi‐Ling , Chien Lan‐Hsiang , Chen Szu‐Ting , Tzeng Yu‐Kai , Wu Ting‐Feng
Published: September 2012

Prostate cancer has been known to be the second highest cause of death in cancer among men. Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols with the potent antioxidant activity and inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and promotes apoptosis in various cancer cells. This study demonstrated that pomegranate fruit juice could effectively hinder the proliferation of human prostate cancer DU145 cell. The results of apoptotic analyses implicated that fruit juice might trigger the apoptosis in DU145 cells via death receptor signaling and mitochondrial damage pathway. In this study, we exploited 2DE‐based proteomics to compare nine pairs of the proteome maps collected from untreated and treated DU145 cells to identify the differentially expressed proteins. Comparative proteomics indicated that 11 proteins were deregulated in affected DU145 cells with three upregulated and eight downregulated proteins. These dys‐regulated proteins participated in cytoskeletal functions, antiapoptosis, proteasome activity, NF‐κB signaling, cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Western immunoblotting were implemented to confirm the deregulated proteins and the downstream signaling proteins. The analytical results of this study help to provide insight into the molecular mechanism of inducing prostate cancer cell apoptosis by pomegranate fruit juice and to develop a novel mechanism‐based chemopreventive strategy for prostate cancer.
Combination of online enzyme digestion with stable isotope labeling for high‐throughput quantitative proteome analysis
Authors: Wang Fangjun , Wei Xiaoluan , Zhou Hu , Liu Jing , Figeys Daniel , Zou Hanfa
Published: September 2012

Various enzyme reactors and online enzyme digestion strategies have been developed in recent years. These reactors greatly enhanced the detection sensitivity and proteome coverage in qualitative proteomics. However, these devices have higher rates of miscleavage in protein digestion. Therefore, we investigated the effect of online enzyme digestion on the quantification accuracy of quantitative proteomics using chemical or metabolic isotope labeling approaches. The incomplete digestion would introduce some unexpected variations in comparative quantification when the samples are digested and then chemically isotope labeled in different aliquots. Even when identical protein aliquots are processed on these devices using post‐digestion chemical isotope labeling and the CVs of the ratios controlled to less than 50% in replicate analyses, about 10% of the quantified proteins have a ratio greater than two‐fold, whereas in theory the ratio is 1:1. Interestingly, the incomplete digestion with enzyme reactor is not a problem when metabolic isotope labeling samples were processed because the proteins are isotopically labeled in vivo prior to their simultaneous digestion within the reactor. Our results also demonstrated that both high quantification accuracy and high proteome coverage can be achieved in comparative proteome quantification using online enzyme digestion even when a limited amount of metabolic isotope labeling samples is used (1683 proteins comparatively quantified from 105 Hela cells).
A theoretical study of hemiacetal formation from the reaction of methanol with derivatives of CX3CHO (X = H, F, Cl, Br and I)
Authors: Azofra Luis Miguel , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: September 2012

A theoretical study of the hemiacetal formation reaction between methanol and CX3CHO (X = H, F, Cl, Br, and I) has been carried out using density functional theory and Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6‐311++G(d,p) computational methods. The stationary points of the reaction between the isolated molecules and the reaction catalyzed by an additional methanol molecule have been characterized. Because the final products present a stereogenic center, the potential autocatalysis of the reaction has been examined and also the possibility of spontaneous generation of chirality when the hemiacetal molecules are involved in the transition state structure. High barriers are found in the reaction between the isolated molecules that are reduced by the assistance of an additional molecule (methanol or hemiacetal product). The reactions catalyzed by the hemiacetal products show higher barriers than the one catalyzed by methanol. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Severity scoring systems: Are they internally valid, reliable and predictive of oxygen use in children with acute bronchiolitis?
Authors: McCallum Gabrielle B. , Morris Peter S. , Wilson Clare C. , Versteegh Lesley A. , Ward Linda M. , Chatfield Mark D. , Chang Anne B.
Published: September 2012

Background

Severity scores are commonly used in research and clinically to assess the severity of bronchiolitis. However, there are limitations as few have been validated. The aim of our study was to: (i) determine the validity and reliability of a bronchiolitis scoring system, and (ii) examine if the score predicted the need for oxygen at 12 and 24 hrs. Children aged <24 months presenting to Royal Darwin Hospital with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis were eligible to participate.

Study Design

We reviewed published papers that used a bronchiolitis score and summarized the data in a table. We chose the Tal score that was easy to use and encompassed clinically important parameters. Three research nurses, trained to assess children, used two scoring systems (Tal and Modified‐Tal; respiratory rate, accessory muscle use, wheezing, cyanosis, and oxygen saturation), blindly evaluated children within 15 min of each other.

Results

The children's (n = 115) median age was 5.4 months (IQR 2.9, 10.4); 65% were male and 64% were Indigenous. Internal consistency was excellent (Tal: Cronbach α = 0.66; Modified‐Tal: α = 0.70). There was substantial inter‐rater agreement; weighted kappa of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.83) for Tal and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.76) for Modified‐Tal. For predicting requirement for oxygen at 12 and 24 hrs; area under receiver operating curve (aROC) was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.13, 1.0) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.34, 1.0), respectively.

Conclusion

The Tal and Modified‐Tal scoring systems for bronchiolitis is repeatable and can reliably be used in research and clinical practice. Its utility for prediction of O2 requirement is limited. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:797–803. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hair zinc and selenium levels in children with recurrent wheezing
Authors: Razi Cem Hasan , Akelma Ahmet Zulfikar , Akin Okhan , Kocak Mesut , Ozdemir Osman , Celik Aydin , Kislal Fatih Mehmet
Published: September 2012

The prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases has increased markedly in the last few decades. Oxidative stress plays a central role in asthma pathogenesis, and reduced daily consumption of antioxidants is positively correlated with increased risk of asthma. Zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) are the main antioxidant elements. In our study, we aimed to investigate hair Zn and Se levels in children with recurrent wheezing. The study included 65 patients with recurrent wheezing (RW) and 65 healthy children (HC). The hair Zn and Se levels (µg/g) of the RW group were lower in comparison with the HC group (162.43 ± 91.52 vs. 236.38 ± 126.44, P < 0.001, and 217.37 ± 83.01 vs. 280.53 ± 122.73, P < 0.001, respectively). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (mmol/L) of the RW group was found to be significantly lower in comparison with the HC group (1.38 ± 0.14 vs. 1.53 ± 0.20, respectively; P < 0.001). Number of wheezing episodes in the last 6 months were negatively correlated with serum TAC, hair Zn, and Se levels in RW group (rp = −0.291, P = 0.001; rp = −0.209, P = 0.017; rp = −0.206, P = 0.019, respectively). The number of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) episodes in the last 6 months was negatively correlated with serum TAC and hair Zn levels (rp = −0.316, P < 0.001, and rp = −0.196, P = 0.025, respectively). In this study, we found that TAC, hair Zn, and hair Se levels were lower in children with RW than HC and negatively correlated with wheezing episodes in the last 6 months. Also body Zn and Se levels can be reliably measured in hair samples. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:1185–1191. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes of surgical management of severe GERD in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sheikh Shahid I. , Ryan‐Wenger Nancy A. , McCoy Karen S.
Published: September 2012

Background

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at high risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and medical management of GERD improves pulmonary symptoms. Some patients with worsening CF and GERD symptoms undergo Nissen fundoplication, but the extent to which surgical management of GERD improves respiratory symptoms is not well studied. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Nissen fundoplication in 48 patients with CF and uncontrolled GERD.

Results

Patients exhibited significantly fewer pulmonary exacerbations, increased weight gain and slower decline in % predicted FEV1 at 2 years after the surgery, compared to 2 years before surgery. Mean change in % predicted FEV1 in 2 years before surgery was −13.57% and mean change in % predicted FEV1 in 2 years after the surgery was +1.5% and difference was significant P = 0.001. Better pulmonary and nutritional outcomes were noted among patients with milder lung disease compared to those with severe lung disease, and among patients who received gastrostomy tube feedings for ≥6 months compared to those with no G‐tube or tube feedings for <6 months. There was no mortality associated with surgery.

Conclusion

In CF patients with worsening lung disease and uncontrolled GERD, Nissen fundoplication not only slows the decline in lung function but leads to significant improvement in weight, and decrease in CF exacerbations. Patients with milder disease and patients receiving G‐tube feedings for ≥6 months after surgery benefited the most. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:556–562. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical risk factors are more relevant than respiratory viruses in predicting bronchiolitis severity
Authors: Ricart Silvia , Marcos Maria Angeles , Sarda Marta , Anton Andres , Muñoz‐Almagro Carmen , Pumarola Tomas , Pons Marti , Garcia‐Garcia Juan Jose
Published: September 2012

Background

The role of respiratory viruses in the pathogenesis of bronchiolitis was re‐evaluated with the use of molecular methods such as PCR for virus detection. Whether specific viruses or the classical clinical risk factors are more important in determining severe bronchiolitis is not well established.

Aim

To analyze the specific viruses and clinical variables that can predict severe bronchiolitis at admission.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal aspirates were prospectively collected from 484 children <12 months admitted to the pediatrics ward or PICU at Universitary Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (Barcelona, Spain) for bronchiolitis from October 2007 to October 2008. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Sixteen respiratory viruses were studied using PCR. Severity was assessed with a bronchiolitis clinical score (BCS).

Results

Four hundred ten infants that tested positive for respiratory viruses were analyzed. Mixed viral infections did not increase the severity of the disease. Rhinovirus was associated with severe BCS in univariate analysis (P = 0.041), but in the multivariate logistic regression including viruses and clinical data only bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR 7.2; 95% CI 1.2–43.3), congenital heart disease (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.1–19.9), prematurity (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3–5.1), and fever (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.1) showed statistical significance for predicting severe BCS.

Conclusions

Classical clinical risk factors have more weight in predicting a severe BCS in infants with acute bronchiolitis than the involved viruses. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:456–463. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lung transplantation for childhood diffuse lung disease
Authors: Rama Jennifer A. , Fan Leland L. , Faro Albert , Elidemir Okan , Morales David L. , Heinle Jeffrey S. , Smith E. O'Brian , Hazen Matthew L. , Moonnumakal Siby P. , Mallory George B. , Schecter Marc G.
Published: September 2012

Background

Pediatric diffuse lung diseases comprise a heterogeneous group of rare lung disorders which may lead to end stage lung disease and referral for lung transplantation. Previous studies are limited by small numbers of patients with specific forms of diffuse lung disease. Children with all forms of diffuse lung disease who underwent lung transplantation at two pediatric centers were evaluated in terms of several pre‐ and post‐transplant factors and compared to children with other end stage lung disorders.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients transplanted between October 1, 2002 and June 15, 2007 at Texas Children's Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital. Multiple pre‐transplant characteristics and post‐transplant morbidities and mortality were compared between diffuse lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary vascular disease groups.

Results

There were 31 diffuse lung disease (DLD), 57 cystic fibrosis (CF), and 16 pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) patients included in our analysis. Patients with DLD had significantly higher pre‐transplant morbidity including lower percent predicted of forced expiratory volume in first second (P = 0.013) and more patients with pulmonary hypertension (P = 0.001) and hypercapnia (P = 0.031). Compared to CF patients, more DLD and PVD patients required invasive ventilation (P = 0.001) and care in the pediatric intensive care unit (P = 0.001). After transplant, there was a difference among the three groups with regards to number of acute allograft rejections but statistical limitations preclude knowing between which group the difference lies. A difference in time to bronchiolitis obliterans was found between the PVD and CF groups but not when compared to the DLD patients. The three groups had similar time to post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease, rate of infections, and survival.

Conclusion

Lung transplantation is as successful for patients with end stage diffuse lung disease as compared to other lung transplant candidates. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:490–496. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combination therapy with immune‐modulators and moxifloxacin on fulminant macrolide‐resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: A case report
Authors: Shen Yuelin , Zhang Jin , Hu Yinghui , Shen Kunling
Published: September 2012

This report entails a case of refractory pneumonia with a wild variety of extra‐pulmonary manifestations due to macrolide‐resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a 7‐year‐old boy. The diagnosis was based on isolating M. pneumoniae through cultivation from the patient's bronchial aspirations at admission and the following susceptibility testing. Initial treatments consisting of a combination of azithromycin and standard‐dosed methylprednisone (2 mg/kg) were completely nonresponsive and the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly. However, methylprednisone pulse therapy (20 mg/kg for 3 days, tapering within 1 month) and intravenous immunoglobulin (1 g/kg/day, two doses), in addition to moxifloxacin (10 mg/kg for 7 days) were remarkably effective and led to a favorable outcome without any observed side effects during inpatient hospitalization and outpatient follow‐up. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:519–522. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A child with progressive multiple tracheal diverticulae: A variation of the Mounier–Kuhn syndrome
Authors: Randak Christoph O. , Weinberger Miles
Published: September 2012

Mounier–Kuhn syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by tracheobronchomegaly. Most commonly presenting in adults, a broad spectrum of clinical abnormalities has been described. We report a young woman followed since 4 years of age for respiratory symptoms who was eventually found to have tracheobronchomegaly and multiple tracheal diverticulae. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:841–843. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of maternal diabetes and child asthma
Authors: Azad Meghan B. , Becker Allan B. , Kozyrskyj Anita L.
Published: September 2012

Background

Perinatal programming is an emerging theory for the fetal origins of chronic disease. Maternal asthma and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are two of the best‐known triggers for the perinatal programming of asthma, while the potential role of maternal diabetes has not been widely studied.

Objective

To determine if maternal diabetes is associated with child asthma, and if so, whether it modifies the effects of ETS exposure and maternal asthma.

Methods

We studied 3,574 Canadian children, aged 7–8 years, enrolled in a population‐based birth cohort. Standardized questionnaires were completed by the children's parents, and data were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Asthma was reported in 442 children (12.4%). Compared to those without asthma, asthmatic children were more likely to have mothers (P = 0.003), but not fathers (P = 0.89), with diabetes. Among children without maternal history of diabetes, the likelihood of child asthma was 1.4‐fold higher in those exposed to ETS (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.73), and 3.6‐fold higher in those with maternal asthma (3.59; 2.71–4.76). Among children born to diabetic mothers, these risks were amplified to 5.7‐fold (5.68; 1.18–27.37) and 11.3‐fold (11.30; 2.26–56.38), respectively. In the absence of maternal asthma or ETS, maternal diabetes was not associated with child asthma (0.65, 0.16–2.56).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that maternal diabetes may contribute to the perinatal programming of child asthma by amplifying the detrimental effects of ETS exposure and maternal asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:545–552. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in gastric pressure and volume during mechanical in‐exsufflation
Authors: Miske Laura J. , McDonough Joseph M. , Weiner Daniel J. , Panitch Howard B.
Published: September 2012

Background/Purpose

A mechanical insufflator–exsufflator (MI–E) is used to replicate spontaneous cough in weak or neurologically impaired patients. Its use is often withheld after abdominal surgery because of concerns for potential wound dehiscence from abdominal distension or development of excessive abdominal positive pressure. We hypothesized that gastric pressure during MI–E use would not exceed usual pressures generated during a spontaneous cough.

Methods

Thirteen subjects 0.8–23.1 years (mean 10.5 years) with neuromuscular weakness, pre‐existing gastrostomy tube, and established MI–E routine were studied. A pressure transducer through the gastrostomy tube measured gastric pressure (Pgas) during MI–E treatment. Chest and abdominal volume change was assessed by respiratory inductance plethysmography. In three subjects, the same measurements were made during spontaneous cough.

Results

The maximum Pgas was 24 cm with applied pressures of 20–40 cm. In the three subjects able to cough, the maximum Pgas achieved during the spontaneous maneuver was 25 cm, a value higher than they achieved with MI–E treatment.

Conclusion

MI–E resulted in less positive abdominal pressure than has been described in healthy subjects during spontaneous coughing. As such, use of an MI–E device should be considered safe to use in the post‐operative period following abdominal surgery in patients with neuromuscular weakness. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:824–829. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate: Precursor or aggressive phenotype of prostate cancer?
Authors: Bonkhoff Helmut , Wheeler Thomas M. , van der Kwast Theodorus H. , Magi‐Galluzzi Cristina , Montironi Rodolfo , Cohen Ronald J.
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND

Although the term “intraductal carcinoma of the prostate” (IDC‐P) was introduced almost 40 years ago, there is still the lack of appreciation that this entity represents a clinically aggressive disease that continues to be misreported under the diagnostic category of high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN).

METHODS

Recent data obtained from histological, molecular, and clinical studies were reviewed to demonstrate that IDC‐P significantly differs from HGPIN, and has a major impact in terms of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of prostate cancer (PCa).

RESULTS

HGPIN is the only accepted precursor of PCa. Its diagnosis in prostate biopsies has no prognostic implications, and does not dictate therapeutic decisions. By contrast, IDC‐P correlates with a worse pathological and clinical outcome. IDC‐P differs from HGPIN by distinct histological and molecular features. Recent clinical studies report that IDC‐P is associated with neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and, chemotherapy (CT) failure as well as early disease recurrence after external beam radiation. Finally, IDC‐P is associated with TMPRSS2‐ERG gene fusion, which was reported to be regulated by estrogens and their receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

IDC‐P is an aggressive phenotype of prostate cancer and predicts poor response to ADT, CT, and external beam radiation. IDC‐P should be separated from HGPIN and should be reported in prostate biopsies and prostatectomy specimens. Prostate 73: 442–448, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Size independent blue luminescence in nitrogen passivated silicon nanocrystals
Authors: Dasog Mita , Veinot Jonathan G. C.
Published: September 2012

The photoluminescent properties of allylamine terminated silicon nanocrystals (Si‐NCs) are investigated. Chloride surface terminated Si‐NCs of different sizes react with allylamine yielding NCs that exhibit size independent blue luminescent NCs. NCs were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering.

Reaction scheme summarizing surface modification approach used for the present study.

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Effects of MnO2 doping on structure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of 0.825NaNbO3–0.175Ba0.6(Bi0.5K0.5)0.4TiO3 lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Fan Ximing , Lin Dunmin , Zheng Qiaoji , Sun Hailing , Wan Yang , Wu Xiaochun , Wu Lang
Published: September 2012

Lead‐free ceramics 0.825NaNbO3–0.175Ba0.6(Bi0.5K0.5)0.4TiO3 + xmol% MnO2 were prepared by an ordinary sintering technique and the effects of MnO2 doping on the structure, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics were studied. The ceramics with perovskite structure are transformed from tetragonal to pseudocubic phases by increasing the doping level of MnO2. After the addition of MnO2, the Curie temperature TC of the ceramics decreases and the ferroelectric–paraelectric phase transition at TC becomes more diffusive. Because of the donor and acceptor doping effects of Mn ions simultaneously, the piezoelectric constant d33, electromechanical coupling coefficient kp, relative permittivity εr, and mechanical quality factor Qm are enhanced considerably after the addition of 1 mol% MnO2. The ceramic with 1 mol% MnO2 doping possesses the optimum piezoelectricity (d33 = 131 pC/N and kp = 21.8%) and relatively high Qm = 627.
Charge compensation and its influences on luminescent properties of red‐emitting Ca3(PO4)2:Eu3+ phosphor
Authors: Zhang Zhan Hui , Chen Li , Da Jiang Nan , Guo De Xing , Cai Ke Qin , Chi Ru An , Huang Zhi Liang
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we report the obtention of red‐emitting Ca3(PO4)2:Eu3+ phosphor by the solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were used to investigate the crystal phases, luminescent properties, and optimal Eu3+ doping concentration. To further improve the PL intensity, Na+ acting as a charge compensator was incorporated into the phosphor. The effects of Na+ concentration on the PL properties were studied. It was found that the charge‐compensation phosphor showed greatly enhanced red emission beyond the phosphor without charge compensation. Ca2.3Na0.4(PO4)2:0.3Eu3+ was determined to be the best composition. The charge‐compensation mechanism was analyzed in light of the principles on defect formation and reaction, and the changes of the site centrosymmetry for the activator.

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Effects of Na+ concentrations on the intensity of red emission. The inset showed the R/O ratios along with Na+ concentrations.
1D and 2D position detection using magnetoimpedance sensor array
Authors: Ipatov M. , Zhukova V. , Blanco J. M. , Zhukov A. , Gonzalez J.
Published: September 2012

We have investigated the application of the magnetoimpedance (MI) effect in amorphous microwires for absolute position detection and demonstrated that MI elements arranged in 1D and 2D arrays can be used for contactless proximity and position sensing of a magnetic label attached to an object to be detected.

Owing to the high sensitivity of the MI elements to the stray magnetic field produced by the magnetic label, the required density of the MI elements can be rather low, which allows the designing of low‐cost in situ reconfigurable sensor networks. An example of application of a 2D proximity and position sensing device for wireless power transfer is considered.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of Li2BaSiO4:Eu3+ phosphors
Authors: Xie Mubiao , Luo Caiyan
Published: September 2012

Novel red phosphors Li2–xBa1–xEux SiO4 were synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction, and their UV‐Vis luminescence properties as well as decay curves were investigated. The excitation spectra indicate that the Li2–xBa1–xEux SiO4 phosphors can be effectively excited by near‐ultraviolet (∼393 nm) light, dovetailed nicely with the UV light‐emitting diodes (LED) chip. The optimum luminance phosphor Li1.88Ba0.88Eu0.12SiO4 shows red luminescence with a dominant 5D0 → 7F2 emission at about 615 nm and suitable chromaticity coordinates (0.639, 0.359), indicating that the phosphor may be a potential candidate for near‐UV InGaN‐based w‐LEDs. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Schizonepeta tenuifolia Inhibits the Development of Atopic Dermatitis in Mice
Authors: Choi You Yeon , Kim Mi Hye , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Jung Hyuk‐Sang , Sohn Youngjoo , Choi Young Jin , Hwang Man Ki , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Kim Jinju , Yang Woong Mo
Published: September 2012

Historically, Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST) has been used for the treatment of skin disorders, such as allergic dermatitis, eczema, and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we examined whether ST inhibited 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‐induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in BALB/c mice. In histopathological analyses of the epidermis and dermis, skin thickness was significantly increased in DNCB‐induced mice as compared with normal group. Treatment with ST inhibited this inflammatory change and markedly suppressed the secretion of immunoglobulin E, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 6 levels in the serum of DNCB‐induced mice. In addition, ST treatment significantly restored the upregulation of proinflammatory factors, such as nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinase expression. Taken together, due to its ability to suppress inflammatory factors and upregulate proinflammatory factors, ST may be useful as a therapeutic treatment for AD. ST extract application decreased both epidermis and dermis thickness in DNCB‐induced mice. In serum, ST reduced immunoglobulin E, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 6 level. In addition, ST suppressed NF‐κB activation as well as the mitogen‐activated protein kinase activities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation on the dissolution of Mn ions from LiMn2O4 cathode in the application of lithium ion batteries: First principle molecular orbital method
Authors: Kim Yongseon , Lim Jaehyuk , Kang Shinhoo
Published: September 2012

The dissolution phenomenon of Mn ions in LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) was investigated by a first principle calculation using the discrete variational Xα molecular orbital method. It was found that the oxidation number of Mn ions easily increases at high temperatures due to the empty levels of Mn 3d orbitals located in the vicinity of the Fermi energy level of LMO crystal. The changes of density of states (DOS) and Mn‐O bonding properties with doping were examined. Analysis of DOS showed that the substitution of elements with a smaller oxidation number than Mn was found effective in keeping Mn ions at higher oxidation states. From the calculation of bonding properties, the dissolution of Mn was found to be strongly correlated with the covalent nature of Mn‐O bond. Based on the results, we concluded that increasing the covalent character of Mn‐O bond is effective to minimize the dissolution of Mn ions, along with suppressing the formation of Jahn‐Teller‐active Mn3+ by inducing Mn ions at high oxidation state with proper selection of doping elements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.