bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive video‐assisted thyroidectomy 2.0: Expanded indications in a tertiary care cancer center
Authors: Kim Alyn J. , Liu Jeffrey C. , Ganly Ian , Kraus Dennis H.
Published: December 2010

Background

Minimally invasive video‐assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) advantages include a smaller incision, less extensive surgical dissection, improved visualization secondary to rigid fiberoptics, and decreased postoperative pain. The aims of our study were to report our experience using expanded indications of MIVAT.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of a single surgeon's initial experience was carried out at a tertiary academic cancer center.

Results

In all, 53 patients were identified, of whom 40 underwent total thyroidectomy and 13 underwent hemithyroidectomy. Thyroid volume, nodule size, incision length, and surgical time were all examined. Most common pathology was well‐differentiated papillary thyroid cancer (69.8%): 42% of patients had evidence of thyroiditis found on pathology; 17% of patients had temporary vocal cord paralysis, with only 1 case of vocal cord paralysis persisting >6 months (1.9%). Six patients (11%) experienced temporary hypocalcemia, requiring postoperative calcium supplementation; no patients experienced permanent hypocalcemia.

Conclusions

The use of MIVAT with expanded indications shows complication rates comparable to those of traditional open thyroidectomy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Retrospective analysis of facial paralysis caused by ethanol sclerotherapy for facial venous malformation
Authors: Hu XiaoJie , Chen Da , Jiang ChengHong , Jin YunBo , Chen Hui , Ma Gang , Lin XiaoXi
Published: December 2010

Background

Absolute ethanol sclerotherapy provides a reliable treatment for facial venous malformation, although facial nerve injury may occur after sclerotherapy. This study is a retrospective review of facial nerve dysfunction after sclerotherapy.

Methods

A total of 91 patients with facial venous malformations accepted 288 ethanol sclerotherapy sessions. The facial nerve dysfunctions caused by the therapy were evaluated and analyzed.

Results

There were 9 instances of facial nerve injury. For 18 sessions of sclerotherapy in the temporal region, 5.6% of patients experienced injury to the temporal branch; for 12 sessions in the zygomatic region, 41.7% of patients experienced injury to the zygomatic branch. After patients were treated with medication, 8 of 9 instances of nerve injury recovered.

Conclusions

The zygomatic and temporal branches of the facial nerve were the most vulnerable to injury after ethanol sclerotherapy. Surgeons are thus called on to pay more attention when performing ethanol sclerotherapy in those areas. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Hydrometeorology and structure of tropical montane cloud forests under contrasting biophysical conditions in north‐western Costa Rica
Authors: Häger A. , Dohrenbusch A.
Published: December 2010

Tropical cloud forests have received increasing attention because of their significance for freshwater supply. This study aimed to understand hydro‐meteorological gradients in relation to spatial changes in forest structure in north‐western Costa Rica. Seven climate stations (measuring rainfall, horizontal precipitation, throughfall, temperature and soil moisture) were installed along a 2·5 km transect between 1200 and 1500 m.a.s.l. on the Atlantic (windward) slope and the Pacific (leeward) slope of the Tilarán mountains. Forest structure was investigated on seven 10 × 50 m plots. Epiphytic vegetation was assessed on six trees at 1450 m and at 1200 m on the Pacific slope. Annual rainfall ranged from 3690 mm on the leeward slope to 6390 mm on the windward side. Horizontal precipitation was 3560 mm at the ridge, where it exceeded rainfall during the dry season, compared to 330 mm and 28 mm at the lowest windward and leeward plots, respectively. Throughfall remained below rainfall on the lower slopes but exceeded rainfall on the ridge. Soil water content ranged between 70% and 80% on the ridge top, where waterlogging occurred frequently. The studied forests were classified as lower montane rain forest, lower montane cloud forest and elfin cloud forest. The greatest canopy heights and basal areas occurred on the leeward slope between 1200 and 1450 m and at the lowest windward plot. Tree heights remained below 15 m on the ridge, where stilt roots occurred frequently. Near the ridge, epiphyte abundance and species richness were greater, compared to the lower leeward slope. These findings prove the importance of horizontal precipitation in the study area, confirm the important role of epiphytes as indicators for moisture gradients and elucidate the variability of forest structure under the given biophysical conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rainfall partitioning and cloud water interception in native forest and invaded forest in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Authors: Takahashi Mami , Giambelluca Thomas W. , Mudd Ryan G. , DeLay John K. , Nullet Michael A. , Asner Gregory P.
Published: December 2010

In many Hawaiian forests, including cloud forests, native plant communities are being displaced by invasive tree species, possibly affecting rainfall partitioning and direct harvesting of cloud droplets by vegetation. In this study, the hydrological impacts of invasive species are examined, using measurements of rainfall (RF), throughfall (TF) and stemflow (SF), and estimation of wet‐canopy evaporation and cloud water interception (CWI) by the canopy water balance approach in both native Metrosideros polymorpha‐dominated and invaded, Psidium cattleianum‐dominated forests within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (HAVO). Canopy water storage capacity was found to be more than twice as great at the native site (1·86 mm) compared to the invaded site (0·85 mm). Annual RF, CWI, TF and SF were 3233, 1188, 3700 and 261 mm, respectively, for the native site; and 3735, 734, 3033 and 1091 mm, respectively, for the invaded site. Net RF (TF + SF) was 123 and 110% of RF, respectively, at the two sites. Annual evaporation of water from the wet canopy was also greater at the native site (464 mm) than at the invaded site (347 mm). Low canopy water storage capacity and the exceptionally high SF total at the invaded site are related to morphological characteristics and high stem density of the invasive P. cattleianum tree, which favour efficient transport of intercepted water to the ground via the stems. Despite its more peripheral location near the edge of the orographic cloud, CWI at the native site was higher. The characteristics of the native M. polymorpha tree may facilitate more effective harvesting of cloud water droplets, enhancing CWI at the site. Species invasion results in a lower proportion of RF reaching the forest floor (110 vs 123%) and becoming available for groundwater recharge, suggesting that invasion by P. cattleianum may have significant negative effects on Hawai'i's aquatic ecosystems and water resources. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of regional estimation error by canonical residual kriging
Authors: Kamali Nezhad M. , Ouarda T. B. M. J. , Chokmani K. , Barbet M. , Bruneau P. , El. Adlouni S.
Published: December 2010

Various regional flood frequency analysis procedures are used in hydrology to estimate hydrological variables at ungauged or partially gauged sites. Relatively few studies have been conducted to evaluate the accuracy of these procedures and estimate the error induced in regional flood frequency estimation models. The objective of this paper is to assess the overall error induced in the residual kriging (RK) regional flood frequency estimation model. The two main error sources in specific flood quantile estimation using RK are the error induced in the quantiles local estimation procedure and the error resulting from the regional quantile estimation process. Therefore, for an overall error assessment, the corresponding errors associated with these two steps must be quantified. Results show that the main source of error in RK is the error induced into the regional quantile estimation method. Results also indicate that the accuracy of the regional estimates increases with decreasing return periods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal variation in cascade‐driven hyporheic exchange, northern Honduras
Authors: Fabian Mark W. , Endreny Theodore A. , Bottacin‐Busolin Andrea , Lautz Laura K.
Published: December 2010

A characterization of hyporheic exchange for dry and wet season baseflow, as well as partially dewatered discharge, was done in Prieta Creek, a first‐order cascade in northern Honduras. The cascade had discharges from 1 to 15 l s−1, had average slopes of 12%, pool spacing of 3 m, and shallow substrate of sand and gravel. Tracer tests were conducted in a 15‐m sub‐reach, a length considered to be adequate for the experiment based on the DaI test, a ratio of exchange and transport processes. In the three tests, between 9 and 18% of tracer was not recovered, possibly due to entrainment in flowpaths passing beneath the downstream monitoring location. Tracer data were analysed by the one‐dimensional transport with inflow and storage (OTIS) transient storage model (TSM) to derive standard exchange parameters, and by the solute transport in rivers (STIR) model to examine hyporheic residence time distributions (RTDs). The best fit of the observed tracer breakthrough curves was obtained by using the STIR model with a combination of two exponential RTDs to represent hyporheic retention. With increasing discharge, the OTIS model predicted increasing storage exchange fluxes and exchange coefficients and decreasing storage zone areas and transient storage times, which are trends supported by riparian and streambed piezometric head data. Riparian water levels rose during the transition from the dry to wet season, which could constrict the hyporheic storage zone. Thirteen of the 19 streambed piezometers recorded seasonal changes in hydraulic gradients and flux direction, with fewer yet stronger upwelling zones during higher discharges. The MODFLOW model missed the observed seasonal changes, possibly due to subtle changes in the seasonal change in water surface profiles. We conclude that partially dewatered dry season exchange, compared to wet season exchange, was initiated and terminated with smaller pressure gradients and, in different streambed locations, was smaller in volume, had longer residence times, and may connect with deeper and longer flow paths. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Salivary metabolite signatures of oral cancer and leukoplakia
Authors: Wei Jie , Xie Guoxiang , Zhou Zengtong , Shi Peng , Qiu Yunping , Zheng Xiaojiao , Chen Tianlu , Su Mingming , Zhao Aihua , Jia Wei
Published: December 2010

Oral cancer, one of the six most common human cancers with an overall 5‐year survival rate of <50%, is often not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. The aim of the current study is to explore salivary metabolomics as a disease diagnostic and stratification tool for oral cancer and leukoplakia and evaluate the potential of salivary metabolome for detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Saliva metabolite profiling for a group of 37 OSCC patients, 32 oral leukoplakia (OLK) patients and 34 healthy subjects was performed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in conjunction with multivariate statistical analysis. The OSCC, OLK and healthy control groups demonstrate characteristic salivary metabolic signatures. A panel of five salivary metabolites including γ‐aminobutyric acid, phenylalanine, valine, n‐eicosanoic acid and lactic acid were selected using OPLS‐DA model with S‐plot. The predictive power of each of the five salivary metabolites was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves for OSCC. Valine, lactic acid and phenylalanine in combination yielded satisfactory accuracy (0.89, 0.97), sensitivity (86.5% and 94.6%), specificity (82.4% and 84.4%) and positive predictive value (81.6% and 87.5%) in distinguishing OSCC from the controls or OLK, respectively. The utility of salivary metabolome diagnostics for oral cancer is successfully demonstrated in this study and these results suggest that metabolomics approach complements the clinical detection of OSCC and stratifies the two types of lesions, leading to an improved disease diagnosis and prognosis.
Alcohol drinking and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with focus on light‐drinkers and never‐smokers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Islami Farhad , Fedirko Veronika , Tramacere Irene , Bagnardi Vincenzo , Jenab Mazda , Scotti Lorenza , Rota Matteo , Corrao Giovanni , Garavello Werner , Schüz Joachim , Straif Kurt , Negri Eva , Boffetta Paolo , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: December 2010

Quantification of the association between alcohol drinking and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an open issue, particularly among light alcohol drinkers, never‐smokers, and Asian populations, in which some high‐risk polymorphisms in alcohol metabolizing genes are more prevalent. To address these issues, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using 40 case‐control and 13 cohort studies that reported on the risk associated with alcohol drinking for at least three levels of consumption. In studies adjusted for age, sex, and tobacco smoking, the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between light alcohol drinking (≤12.5 g/d) and risk of ESCC was 1.38 (1.14–1.67). The association was slightly stronger in Asian countries than in other populations. The adjusted RRs (95% CIs) were 2.62 (2.07–3.31) for moderate drinking (>12.5–<50 g/d) and 5.54 (3.92–7.28) for high alcohol intake (≥50 g/d); the RRs were slightly higher in non‐Asian populations. In prospective studies, the RR (95% CI) was 1.35 (0.92–1.98) for light, 2.15 (1.55–2.98) for moderate, and 3.35 (2.06–5.46) for high alcohol intakes; light drinking showed an association with ESCC in Asia (five studies) but not in other regions (three studies). Among never‐smokers (nine studies), the RR (95% CI) was 0.74 (0.47–1.16) for light, 1.54 (1.09–2.17) for moderate, and 3.09 (1.75–5.46) for high intakes. This meta‐analysis further corroborates the association of moderate and high alcohol intake with risk of ESCC and provides risk estimates based on multiple prospective studies. Light alcohol intake appears to be associated to ESCC mainly in studies in Asia, which suggests a possible role of genetic susceptibility factors.
ADAM15 to α5β1 integrin switch in colon carcinoma cells: A late event in cancer progression associated with tumor dedifferentiation and poor prognosis
Authors: Toquet Claire , Colson Aude , Jarry Anne , Bezieau Stéphane , Volteau Christelle , Boisseau Pierre , Merlin Didier , Laboisse Christian L , Mosnier Jean‐François
Published: December 2010

ADAM15, a member of the A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (ADAM) family, is a membrane protein containing an adhesion domain that binds to α5β1 integrin through a unique RGD domain. ADAM15, expressed by human normal colonocytes, is involved in epithelial wound healing and tissue remodeling in inflammatory bowel disease. The aims of our study were (i) to analyze ADAM15 expression in a series of colon carcinomas and paired normal mucosa and (ii) to integrate the spatial relationship of ADAM15 with its binding partners α5β1 integrin, a mesenchymal marker, as well as with other adhesion molecules, α3β1 integrin and E‐cadherin. A series of 94 colon carcinomas of the non other specified category were graded according to the World Health Organization classification. Immunohistochemistry was performed on frozen tissue sections using antibodies directed to ADAM15, α5β1 and α3β1 integrins, and E‐cadherin. ADAM15 was quantified at the mRNA level. Finally, promoter methylation of ADAM15 was examined as well as the microsatellite instability status (MSS/MSI). Thirty‐six percent of colorectal carcinomas displayed a reduced expression of ADAM15 in cancer cells, confirmed at the mRNA level in most cases, without promoter methylation. ADAM15 down‐regulation was associated with histologically poorly differentiated carcinomas. In addition, it was associated with the acquisition of α5β1 by cancer cells and down‐regulation of α3β1 integrin and E‐cadherin. Finally this profile that includes characteristic of epithelial to mesenchymal transition is a late progression event of colon cancer with a poor prognosis.
Naturally occurring organic osmolytes: From cell physiology to disease prevention
Authors: Khan Shagufta H. , Ahmad Nihal , Ahmad Faizan , Kumar Raj
Published: December 2010

Mechanism of osmolyte‐induced folding of cellular protein by Shagufta H. Khan et al., pp. 891–895.
Effect of three‐dimensional culture and incubator gas concentration on phenotype and differentiation capability of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Karlsen Tommy A. , Mirtaheri Peyman , Shahdadfar Aboulghassem , Fløisand Yngvar , Brinchmann Jan E.
Published: December 2010

To obtain sufficient numbers of cells for tissue engineering applications, human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSC) are commonly cultured as monolayers in incubators containing room air. In this study, we investigated whether three‐dimensional (3D) culture conditions and incubator gas concentrations more similar to those observed in vivo impacted on cell expansion, differentiation capability, or phenotype of hBM‐MSC. We found that 3D culture alone increased the expression of some molecules involved in osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. In contrast, 3D culture did not induce chondrogenic differentiation, but enhanced the response to the chondrogenic differentiation medium. Changing the oxygen concentration to 6% and the carbon dioxide concentration to 7.5% did not impact on the results of any of our assays, showing that the hyperoxia of room air is not detrimental to hBM‐MSC proliferation, differentiation, or phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 684–693, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonsense suppressor therapies rescue peroxisome lipid metabolism and assembly in cells from patients with specific PEX gene mutations
Authors: Dranchak Patricia K. , Di Pietro Erminia , Snowden Ann , Oesch Nathan , Braverman Nancy E. , Steinberg Steven J. , Hacia Joseph G.
Published: December 2010

Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) are multisystemic autosomal recessive disorders resulting from mutations in PEX genes required for normal peroxisome assembly and metabolic activities. Here, we evaluated the potential effectiveness of aminoglycoside G418 (geneticin) and PTC124 (ataluren) nonsense suppression therapies for the treatment of PBD patients with disease‐causing nonsense mutations. PBD patient skin fibroblasts producing stable PEX2 or PEX12 nonsense transcripts and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with a Pex2 nonsense allele all showed dramatic improvements in peroxisomal very long chain fatty acid catabolism and plasmalogen biosynthesis in response to G418 treatments. Cell imaging assays provided complementary confirmatory evidence of improved peroxisome assembly in G418‐treated patient fibroblasts. In contrast, we observed no appreciable rescue of peroxisome lipid metabolism or assembly for any patient fibroblast or CHO cell culture treated with various doses of PTC124. Additionally, PTC124 did not show measurable nonsense suppression in immunoblot assays that directly evaluated the read‐through of PEX7 nonsense alleles found in PBD patients with rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 1 (RCDP1). Overall, our results support the continued development of safe and effective nonsense suppressor therapies that could benefit a significant subset of individuals with PBDs. Furthermore, we suggest that the described cell culture assay systems could be useful for evaluating and screening for novel nonsense suppressor therapies. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1250–1258, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Essential roles of the nitric oxide (no)/cGMP/protein kinase G type‐Iα (PKG‐Iα) signaling pathway and the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)/cGMP/PKG‐Iα autocrine loop in promoting proliferation and cell survival of OP9 bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Wong Janica C. , Fiscus Ronald R.
Published: December 2010

Inappropriate signaling conditions within bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can lead to loss of BMSC survival, contributing to the loss of a proper micro‐environmental niche for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), ultimately causing bone marrow failure. In the present study, we investigated the novel role of endogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP/protein kinase G type‐Iα (PKG‐Iα) signaling pathway in regulating BMSC survival and proliferation, using the OP9 BMSC cell line commonly used for facilitating the differentiation of HSCs. Using an ANP‐receptor blocker, endogenously produced ANP was found to promote cell proliferation and prevent apoptosis. NO donor SNAP (S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine) at low concentrations (10 and 50 µM), which would moderately stimulate PKG activity, protected these BMSCs against spontaneous apoptosis. YC‐1, a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activator, decreased the levels of apoptosis, similar to the cytoprotective effects of low‐level NO. ODQ (1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one), which blocks endogenous NO‐induced activation of sGC and thus lowers endogenous cGMP/PKG activity, significantly elevated apoptotic levels by 2.5‐ and three‐fold. Pre‐incubation with 8‐Bromo‐cGMP or ANP, which bypass the ODQ block, almost completely prevented the ODQ‐induced apoptosis. A highly‐specific PKG inhibitor, DT‐3, at 20, and 30 µM, caused 1.5‐ and two‐fold increases in apoptosis, respectively. ODQ and DT‐3 also decreased BMSCs proliferation and colony formation. Small Interfering RNA gene knockdown of PKG‐Iα increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation in BMSCs. The data suggest that basal NO/cGMP/PKG‐Iα activity and autocrine ANP/cGMP/PKG‐Iα are necessary for preserving OP9 cell survival and promoting cell proliferation and migration. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 829–839, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signaling networks in RUNX2‐dependent bone development
Authors: Komori Toshihisa
Published: December 2010

RUNX2 is an essential transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation. SP7, another transcription factor, is required for osteoblast differentiation. Major signaling pathways, including FGF, Wnt, and IHH, also play important roles in skeletal development. RUNX2 regulates Sp7 expression at an early stage of osteoblast differentiation. FGF2 upregulates Runx2 expression and activates RUNX2, and gain‐of‐function mutations of FGFRs cause craniosynostosis and limb defect with upregulation of Runx2 expression. Wnt signaling upregulates Runx2 expression and activates RUNX2, and RUNX2 induces Tcf7 expression. IHH is required for Runx2 expression in osteoprogenitor cells during endochondral bone development, and RUNX2 directly regulates Ihh expression in chondrocytes. Thus, RUNX2 regulates osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation through the network with SP7 and with FGF, Wnt, and IHH signaling pathways during skeletal development. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 750–755, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term in vitro expansion of osteoarthritic human articular chondrocytes do not alter genetic stability: A microsatellite instability analysis
Authors: Neri Simona , Mariani Erminia , Cattini Luca , Facchini Andrea
Published: December 2010

In this study, we investigated genetic damage acquisition during in vitro culture of human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes to evaluate their safety for use in regenerative medicine clinical applications. In particular, we have addressed the impact of long‐term in vitro culture on simple sequence repeat stability, to evaluate the involvement of the mismatch repair system (MMR) in the accumulation of genetic damage. MMR, the main post‐replicative correction pathway, has a fundamental role in maintaining genomic stability and can be monitored by assessing microsatellite instability (MSI). MMR activity has been reported to decrease with age not only in vivo, but also in vitro in relationship to culture passages. OA chondrocytes from seven donors were cultured corresponding to 13–29 population doublings. Aliquots of the cells were collected and analyzed for MSI at five DNA loci (CD4, VWA, FES, TPOX, and P53) and for MMR gene expression at each subculture. Genetic stability was confirmed throughout the culture period. MMR genes demonstrated a strong coordination at the transcriptional level among the different components; expression levels were very low, in accordance with the observed genetic stability. The reduced expression of MMR genes might underline no need for increasing DNA repair control in the culture conditions tested, in which no genetic damage was evidenced. These data argue for the safety of chondrocytes for cellular therapies and are encouraging for the potential use of in vitro expanded OA chondrocytes, supporting the extension of autologous cell therapy procedures to degenerative articular diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2579–2585, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TGFBR3, a potential negative regulator of TGF‐β signaling, protects cardiac fibroblasts from hypoxia‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Chu WenFeng , Li XiaoXue , Li Cui , Wan Lin , Shi Hui , Song XiaoHui , Liu XingYuan , Chen Xi , Zhang Chun , Shan HongLi , Lu YanJie , Yang Baofeng
Published: December 2010

A lot of evidence indicates that cardiac fibroblasts are essential for maintaining the structure and function of heart. The present study examined whether TGFBR3 (transforming growth factor type III receptor, also known as betaglycan) could prevent hypoxia‐induced injury in neonatal mice cardiac fibroblasts, if so, its possible molecular targets. MTT, electron microscopy and TUNEL assay were used to identify cell viability and apoptosis in neonatal mice cardiac fibroblasts. Results showed that hypoxia for 24 h markedly reduce cell viability by 49.8 ± 8.9%, largely via apoptosis. However, hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in cardiac fibroblasts were almost completely prevented by overexpression of TGFBR3. In the present study, hypoxia also induced TGF‐β1, p‐Smad2/3 expression, TGFBR1–TGFBR2 complex formation and collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts, which were attenuated substantially by TGFBR3 overexpression. TGFBR3 also reversed Bax up‐regulation, Bcl‐2 down‐regulation and Caspase‐3 activation induced by hypoxia in cardiac fibroblasts. Hypoxia or TGF‐β1 itself triggered an increase of [Ca2+]i in cardiac fibroblasts, which were both inhibited by TGFBR3 overexpression. Taken together, our results indicate that TGFBR3 may act as a protective factor in apoptotic process of cardiac fibroblasts by negative regulation of TGF‐β signaling and represent a potential therapeutic target for heart remodeling after hypoxia injury. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2586–2594, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The metabolism of human mesenchymal stem cells during proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Pattappa Girish , Heywood Hannah K. , de Bruijn Joost D. , Lee David A.
Published: December 2010

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reside under hypoxic conditions in vivo, between 4% and 7% oxygen. Differentiation of MSCs under hypoxic conditions results in inhibited osteogenesis, while chondrogenesis is unaffected. The reasons for these results may be associated with the inherent metabolism of the cells. The present investigation measured the oxygen consumption, glucose consumption and lactate production of MSCs during proliferation and subsequent differentiation towards the osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. MSCs expanded under normoxia had an oxygen consumption rate of ∼98 fmol/cell/h, 75% of which was azide‐sensitive, suggesting that these cells derive a significant proportion of ATP from oxidative phosphorylation in addition to glycolysis. By contrast, MSCs differentiated towards the chondrogenic lineage using pellet culture had significantly reduced oxygen consumption after 24 h in culture, falling to ∼12 fmol/cell/h after 21 days, indicating a shift towards a predominantly glycolytic metabolism. By comparison, MSCs retained an oxygen consumption rate of ∼98 fmol/cell/h over 21 days of osteogenic culture conditions, indicating that these cells had a more oxidative energy metabolism than the chondrogenic cultures. In conclusion, osteogenic and chondrogenic MSC cultures appear to adopt the balance of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis reported for the respective mature cell phenotypes. The addition of TGF‐β to chondrogenic pellet cultures significantly enhanced glycosaminoglycan accumulation, but caused no significant effect on cellular oxygen consumption. Thus, the differences between the energy metabolism of chondrogenic and osteogenic cultures may be associated with the culture conditions and not necessarily their respective differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2562–2570, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Group X secreted phospholipase A2 specifically decreases sperm motility in mice
Authors: Escoffier Jessica , Pierre Virginie J. , Jemel Ikram , Munch Léa , Boudhraa Zied , Ray Pierre F. , De Waard Michel , Lambeau Gérard , Arnoult Christophe
Published: December 2010

Different mammalian secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) are expressed in male reproductive organs and/or in sperm cells but their cellular functions are still not fully characterized. Because several reports indicate a link between cellular lipids and sperm motility, we have investigated the effect of mouse group IIA, IID, IIE, V, and X sPLA2s on sperm motility. Among these enzymes, only mouse group X sPLA2 (mGX sPLA2) acts as a potent inhibitor of sperm motility that decreases track speed (VCL) and lateral displacement of the head (ALH) of both noncapacitated and capacitated sperm. The inhibitory effect of mGX sPLA2 is dependent on its enzymatic activity because (i) both the proenzyme form of mGX sPLA2 (pro‐mGX) and the H48Q mutant of mGX sPLA2 have very weak enzymatic activity and are unable to modulate sperm motility and (ii) LY329722, a specific inhibitor of sPLA2s, blocks the inhibitory effect of mGX sPLA2. Moreover, mGX sPLA2 exerts a gradual potency on sperm subpopulations with different velocities, an effect which may be linked to the heterogeneity of lipid composition in these sperm subpopulations. Finally, we found that endogenous mGX sPLA2 released during spontaneous acrosome reaction modulates sperm motility of capacitated sperm. Together, our results suggest a new role of sPLA2 in sperm physiology where the sPLA2 selects a sperm subpopulation for fertilization based on its effect on sperm motility. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2601–2609, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐ and sex‐related differences in extra‐hepatic low‐density lipoprotein receptor
Authors: Segatto Marco , Trapani Laura , Marino Maria , Pallottini Valentina
Published: December 2010

To determine whether differences in LDLr behavior in extra‐hepatic tissues and whether extra‐hepatic receptors could differentially contribute to cholesterol homeostasis under physiological conditions, we evaluated the presence and regulation of LDLr from both a gender and an aging perspective. We used the brain cortex, the gastrocnemius, and the heart ventricle of 3‐ and 12‐month‐old male and female rats. We observed a protein decrease of total LDLr in 12‐month‐old female rat brains that was completely restored by 17‐β estradiol treatment. In the gastrocnemius, LDLr accumulates in the skeletal muscle in both male and female aged rats as a precursor probably due to a glycosylation impairment. In the heart, no modifications were observed in either older rats or rats of a specific gender. These data highlight a tissue‐specific dysregulation of LDLr that is age‐ and gender‐dependent. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2610–2616, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decorin and chondroitin‐6 sulfate inhibit B16V melanoma cell migration and invasion by cellular acidification
Authors: Stock Christian , Jungmann Oliver , Seidler Daniela G.
Published: December 2010

In vivo, cells are embedded in an environment generated and maintained by multiple cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. While transiting the dermis metastasizing melanoma cells interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibroblasts. To study the roles of ECM components and fibroblasts in melanoma (B16V) cell migration and invasion, we established a co‐culture system consisting of fibroblasts, their collagen‐rich matrix and B16V cells. The crosstalk between B16V cells and fibroblasts was indicated by a clear increase in release and activity of matrix‐metallo‐protease‐2. Time‐lapse microscopy revealed that in B16V cells exposed to either decorin or chondroitin sulfates migration and invasion decreased by more than 50%. Decorin led to a reversible, chondroitin‐6‐sulfate to an irreversible, cytosolic acidification of B16V cells. Interestingly, decorin lowered NHE1 activity whereas chondroitin‐6‐sulfate did not. Furthermore, decorin and chondroitin‐6‐sulfate also acidified the pH at the cell surface which might prevent migration due to strong adhesion. In conclusion, the present co‐culture system is an appropriate tool to analyze migration, invasion, and MMP release depending on cell–matrix interactions and the crosstalk between the invasive cells and those surrounded by their self‐made matrix. We show a so far unknown function of decorin and chondroitin‐6‐sulfate: their ability to inhibit B16V cell migration by intracellular acidification. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2641–2650, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thyroid hormone promotes insulin‐induced glucose uptake by enhancing Akt phosphorylation and VAMP2 translocation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Lin Yi , Sun Zhongjie
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to test a hypothesis that T3 promotes glucose uptake via enhancing insulin‐induced Akt phosphorylation and VAMP2 translocation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. T3 significantly enhanced insulin‐induced phosphorylation of Akt, cytoplasma to cell membrane translocations of vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and glucose uptake in adipocytes. Akt inhibitor X abolished the promoting effects of T3, suggesting that Akt activation is essential for T3 to enhance these insulin‐induced events in adipocytes. Knockdown of VAMP2 using siRNA abrogated the effects of T3 on insulin‐induced GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake, suggesting that VAMP2 is an important mediator of these processes. These data suggest that T3 may promote glucose uptake via enhancing insulin‐induced phosphorylation of Akt and subsequent translocations of VAMP2 and GLUT4 in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Akt phosphorylation is necessary for the promoting effects of T3 on insulin‐stimulated VAMP2 translocation. Further, VAMP2 is essential for T3 to increase insulin‐stimulated translocation of GLUT4 and subsequent uptake of glucose in adipocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2625–2632, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings of pelvic abscess following uterine perforation sustained during office endometrial sampling
Authors: Abulafia Ovadia , Shah Tana , Salame Ghadir , Economos Kathrine , Serur Eli , Zinn Harry , Sokolovkski Margarita , Sherer David M.
Published: December 2010

Pipelle endometrial sampling, an outpatient, office‐based procedure, provides comparative successful endometrial sampling in comparison with other techniques including conventional dilatation and curettage. We present an unusual occurrence in which office Pipelle endometrial sampling in a perimenopausal patient was complicated 10 days later by lower abdominal pain and intermittent fever. Sonography depicted findings consistent with a large pelvic abscess overriding the uterine fundus. Sonography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of the unusual pelvic abscess and, in addition, noted findings consistent with perforation of the uterus during endometrial sampling. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Transrectal ultrasound guided multi‐core prostate biopsy: Pain control: Results of 106 patients
Authors: Kahriman Guven , Donmez Halil , Mavili Ertugrul , Ozcan Nevzat , Yılmaz Serpil Postgil , Kenan Bekir
Published: December 2010

Purpose:

To determine the efficacy of periprostatic nerve block (PPNB) for control of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided multicore prostate biopsy‐related pain.

Methods:

A total of 106 cases with suspicion of prostate cancer underwent TRUS‐guided multicore prostate biopsy under local anesthesia using a total of 10 ml of 1% lidocaine for each patient. Lidocaine was injected around the neurovascular bundle at the base of the prostate just lateral to the seminal vesicle‐prostate junction. The pain score was assessed using visual analog pain score from 0 to 10. All patients were questioned for whether they would accept repeat biopsy or not, if necessary.

Results:

Pain score ranged from 0 to 5 (mean: 1.4). Thirty‐five percent (37/106) of patients reported a score of 0, whereas 17% (18/106), 32% (34/106), 8.4% (9/106), 6.7% (7/106), 0.9% (1/106) reported pain scores of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. There were no pain scores of 6–10. Answers for the question “would you accept repeat biopsy or not, if necessary?” was “yes” for 82% (87/106) of the patients.

Conclusions:

PPNB prior to multi‐core TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy is an easy, safe, and effective technique for the control of procedure‐related pain. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Endoscopic sonography in the diagnosis and treatment of a gastric wall abscess: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yang Chia‐Wei , Yen, Hsu‐Heng
Published: December 2010

We report a case of a gastric wall abscess in a 50‐year‐old man who presented with epigastralgia and fever. Gastroscopy revealed a subepithelial lesion on the posterior wall of the gastric body into the antrum. A follow‐up abdominal CT scan showed cystic lesions around the stomach. Endoscopic sonography helped to diagnose a gastric wall abscess. The gastric wall abscess was treated endoscopically with a needle knife incision for internal drainage. The patient was treated with antibiotics for 1 week and was discharged without complication. A follow‐up endoscopy with endoscopic sonography 1 month later revealed complete resolution of the lesion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:105–108, 2012
The relationship between brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and uterine artery doppler velocimetry in women with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Adali Ertan , Kurdoglu Mertihan , Adali Fulya , Cim Numan , Yildizhan Recep , Kolusari Ali
Published: December 2010

Purpose:

To investigate serum high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels and endothelial function in pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia and to clarify their relationship with uterine artery Doppler velocimetry.

Methods:

A cross‐sectional study was carried out in 70 pregnant women (35 patients with pre‐eclampsia and 35 age‐matched normotensive healthy pregnant women) during the third trimester of pregnancy. The maternal levels of serum hs‐CRP were determined in all cases by immunonephelometry. Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry was performed. Flow‐mediated dilatation was measured by sonography of the brachial artery for the assessment of endothelial function.

Results:

Serum hs‐CRP levels were higher in the pre‐eclamptic group than in the normotensive group. hs‐CRP levels were positively correlated with mean arterial pressure. Eleven patients with pre‐eclampsia had abnormal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry. hs‐CRP levels were significantly higher in pre‐eclamptic patients with than without abnormal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry. Endothelial function was inversely correlated with hs‐CRP levels and mean arterial pressure.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that maternal serum hs‐CRP levels increase with the severity of pre‐eclampsia, reflecting endothelial dysfunction and constituting a potential marker of pathological utero‐placental perfusion, with a high risk for fetal growth restriction. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Second‐look us examination of MR‐detected breast lesions
Authors: Candelaria Rosalind , Fornage Bruno D.
Published: December 2010

Purpose:

To review our institutional experience in using second‐look ultrasound (SLUS) to identify breast lesions initially detected on MR imaging that were indeterminate or suspicious for malignancy.

Methods: This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant retrospective review included 83 women with 131 lesions initially identified as indeterminate or suspicious for malignancy on MR imaging from February 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009. An SLUS correlate was confirmed on the basis of concordant location, size, and morphologic features. The detection rate of SLUS was determined. Patients' demographics, lesion size, and MR imaging morphologic features (focus, mass, non‐masslike) were reviewed to identify which factors led to successful detection on SLUS. Likelihood ratio χ2 tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: SLUS correlates were found for 88 of 131 (67%) lesions initially detected on MR imaging; 27 of 88 (31%) were malignant. SLUS detected foci (67%) and masses (73%) more frequently than it did non‐masslike lesions (54%). The detection rate of SLUS was independent of lesion size on MR imaging. Malignant lesions were not more likely than benign lesions to be detected on SLUS (61% versus 70%).

Conclusions: SLUS provides value in the clinical workup of breast lesions that are indeterminate or suspicious for malignancy. It identified two thirds of the MR‐detected lesions evaluated and permitted performance of US‐guided needle biopsy on 70 of 88lesions. The likelihood of finding MR‐detected lesions on SLUS was significantly higher for foci and masses than for non‐masslike lesions (P
< 0.05). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Current literature in mass spectrometry
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: December 2010

In order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of mass spectrometry. Each bibliography is divided into 11 sections: 1 Reviews; 2 Instrumental Techniques & Methods; 3 Gas Phase Ion Chemistry; 4 Biology/Biochemistry: Amino Acids, Peptides & Proteins; Carbohydrates; Lipids; Nucleic Acids; 5 Pharmacology/Toxicology; 6 Natural Products; 7 Analysis of Organic Compounds; 8 Analysis of Inorganics/Organometallics; 9 Surface Analysis; 10 Environmental Analysis; 11 Elemental Analysis. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author
Numerical simulation and design of a new microwave annular waveguide plasma source—I: Simulations without the plasma parameters
Authors: Liu Fan , Wang Jianhua , Dai Songyuan
Published: December 2010

A new microwave annular waveguide plasma source with slot antennas is introduced in this paper. The distributions of electromagnetic field within the rectangular waveguide and the annular waveguide are simulated and analyzed, and the relationship between the distributions of the electromagnetic field and the radius of the microwave reactor is investigated. In addition, HFSS microwave studio simulator is applied to carry out the final design. Both analysis calculation and numerical simulation of the electromagnetic field distributions for the waveguide and microwave annular waveguide plasma source are presented and they are in good agreement. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A gamma‐ray spectrometry approach to field separation of illuviation‐type WRB reference soil groups in northern Thailand
Authors: Schuler Ulrich , Erbe Petra , Zarei Mehdi , Rangubpit Wanida , Surinkum Adichat , Stahr Karl , Herrmann Ludger
Published: December 2010

According to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2006), the differentiation of Acrisols and Alisols is based on the cation‐exchange capacity of clay, which cannot be directly determined in the field, but needs expensive and time‐consuming soil‐chemical analyses. This is an unsatisfactory situation for pedologists, who urgently require a rapid field method to distinguish illuviation‐type reference soil groups (Alisols, Acrisols, Luvisols, Lixisols). In this study, we tested the ability of gamma‐ray spectrometry to separate major WRB reference soil groups in the field. The underlying hypothesis is that Alisols and Acrisols are distinguished by their clay mineral composition, which should be reflected by geochemistry and consequently gamma‐ray radiation (i.e., K‐containing illite vs. K‐free kaolinite).

Highly significant differences in their gamma‐ray spectrum for K, Th, and U were found for limestone and its soils. Especially the K and Th signatures allowed a clear separation of Acrisols and Alisols. In general, the surface radiation was sufficient to separate these soils. Best results were revealed considering parent rock and the whole soil profile. This means by using a portable radiometer and a pH meter, all illuviation‐type reference soil groups could be distinguished in this case. If applicable at other sites, this approach could enormously reduce expenditures for soil‐chemical analysis needed to assist soil classification.
Effectiveness of crop‐waste compost on a Eutric Ferralsol
Authors: Amoding Alice , Stephen Tenywa John , Ledin Stig , Otabbong Erasmus
Published: December 2010

Lack of environmentally safe handling of garbage is a growing problem in urban sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Composting the garbage for soil‐fertility management presents an opportunity for reducing the risks of environmental pollution. This study aimed at evaluating the agronomic effectiveness and nutrient‐utilization efficiency of urban market crop‐waste compost on a Eutric Ferralsol. The study was conducted in central Uganda with treatments including compost applied at 0, 5, and 10 t ha–1(d.w. basis); inorganic N fertilizer at rates of 0, 40, and 80 kg ha–1and inorganic P fertilizer at 0, 9, and 18 kg ha–1. Maize (Zea maysL.), variety Longe 4 was used as the test crop. The nutrient quality of the compost was medium with total N of 0.9% and total P of 0.45%. Compost significantly increased plant height, LAI, stover weight, and grain yield; however, there were no significant differences between the 5 and 10 t ha–1rates. Nitrogen also had a significant effect on LAI and stover yield, though there was no significant difference between the 40 and 80 kg ha–1rates. Likewise, P increased plant height with no significant difference between the 9 and 18 kg ha–1rates. Mineral N at 40 kg ha–1led to the highest increase in N uptake by plants (76%) above the control. Nitrogen‐ and P‐utilization efficiencies for the 5 t ha–1compost rate were more than twice that of the 10 t ha–1rate. The highest P‐utilization efficiency (69%) was obtained where 9 kg ha–1P was applied with 40 kg ha–1N, while the highest N‐utilization efficiency (48%) was obtained with the 5 t ha–1compost applied together with N at 40 kg ha–1. From the above studies, it is clear that effectiveness of the 5 t ha–1compost rate is the most promising.