bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal Structure in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Fractures Is Characterized by Abnormal Trabecular Plates and Cortical Thinning
Authors: Stein Emily M , Kepley Anna , Walker Marcella , Nickolas Thomas L , Nishiyama Kyle , Zhou Bin , Liu X Sherry , McMahon Donald J , Zhang Chiyuan , Boutroy Stephanie , Cosman Felicia , Nieves Jeri , Guo X Edward , Shane Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

The majority of fragility fractures occur in women with osteopenia rather than osteoporosis as determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, it is difficult to identify which women with osteopenia are at greatest risk. We performed this study to determine whether osteopenic women with and without fractures had differences in trabecular morphology and biomechanical properties of bone. We hypothesized that women with fractures would have fewer trabecular plates, less trabecular connectivity, and lower stiffness. We enrolled 117 postmenopausal women with osteopenia by DXA (mean age 66 years; 58 with fragility fractures and 59 nonfractured controls). All had areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measured by DXA. Trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), trabecular microarchitecture, and cortical porosity were measured by high-resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of the distal radius and tibia. HR-pQCT scans were subjected to finite element analysis to estimate whole bone stiffness and individual trabecula segmentation (ITS) to evaluate trabecular type (as plate or rod), orientation, and connectivity. Groups had similar age, race, body mass index (BMI), and mean T-scores. Fracture subjects had lower cortical and trabecular vBMD, thinner cortices, and thinner, more widely separated trabeculae. By ITS, fracture subjects had fewer trabecular plates, less axially aligned trabeculae, and less trabecular connectivity. Whole bone stiffness was lower in women with fractures. Cortical porosity did not differ. Differences in cortical bone were found at both sites, whereas trabecular differences were more pronounced at the radius. In summary, postmenopausal women with osteopenia and fractures had lower cortical and trabecular vBMD; thinner, more widely separated and rodlike trabecular structure; less trabecular connectivity; and lower whole bone stiffness compared with controls, despite similar aBMD by DXA. Our results suggest that in addition to trabecular and cortical bone loss, changes in plate and rod structure may be important mechanisms of fracture in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Laser‐induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of Liquid Droplets Based on Plasma‐induced Current Correlation
Authors: Huang Jer‐Shing , Lin King‐Chuen
Published: November 2013

The main limitation for laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to analyse liquid sample remains the poor reproducibility due to shot‐to‐shot signal fluctuation. To resolve this problem, we employ electrospray scheme for liquid sample introduction and develop a correlation method based on plasma‐induced current normalization. Since the plasma‐induced current is proportional to the amount of solvent broken down by the laser pulses, it serves as an excellent reference signal for the removal of shot‐to‐shot signal fluctuation. Our current normalization method is robust and resistive to the interference of salt matrix. The limit of detection (LOD) obtained for alkali‐elements reaches sub‐milligram per litre (<1 mg/L) even with the matrix salts added up to 2000 mg/L. We also investigate the effect of laser wavelength and pulse energy on different normalization methods. We show that background normalization requires the knowledge of plasma temperature to retrieve the correlation linearity, whereas current normalization already takes into account the plasma temperature and shows linearity over wide range of laser pulse energy. With current normalization, the resultant LOD of Na sample is about 20 times better than that obtained by LIB/background normalization. In combination with a flow‐injection system for preconcentration and matrix separation, we demonstrate sensitive on‐line analysis of aluminium salt in liquid droplets. We obtained a linear dynamic range of more than two orders of magnitude and the LOD reaches 1.5 mg/L, about ten times lower than those achieved without preconcentration.
Acute effects of splint immobilization of the forearm on in vivo microcirculation and histomorphology of the human skin
Authors: Altintas A.A. , Vogt P.M. , Altintas M.A.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND: Splint immobilization of the forearm is often performed in clinical practice. Previous studies investigated the effect of immobilization on bone, cartilage, muscle, and tendon, however, the acute effects on human skin microcirculation and histomorphology remains elusive. METHODS: In 12 healthy, nonsmoking individuals (aged 29.7 ± 9.1 years) a randomly selected forearm was immobilized by splinting for 72 h, whereas the other forearm served as control. In vivo Reflectance‐Mode Confocal‐Microscopy (RMCM) was performed prior (baseline value) and postimmobilization to evaluate: quantitative blood cell flow; density of functional dermal capillaries; epidermal thickness; and granular cell size. RESULTS: At 72h forearm immobilization, quantitative blood cell flow was significantly reduced (42.86 ± 3.68 cells/min) compared to the control blood flow (53.11 ± 3.68 cells/min, P < 0.05) and dermal capillaries indicates less functional density (5.73 ± 0.63 capillaries/mm2) compared to the controls (7.04 ± 0.81 capillaries/mm2, P < 0.05). Histometric assessment reveals significantly thinner epidermis following immobilization compared to the control site (40.02 ± 2.91 vs. 46.64±3.09 µm, P < 0.05). Granular cell size was significantly altered at 72 h splinting (730.1 ± 42.53 µm2) compared to the control cell size at 770.2 ± 38.21 µm2. Comparison of baseline values of both forearms indicate statistically insignificance (P > 0.05) for each parameter. CONCLUSION: At 72 h splint immobilization, for the first time, significant adaptive mechanisms were evaluated on human skin microcirculation and histomorphology using in vivo RMCM. These adaptations may be considered as an incipient atrophy of the human skin. Long‐term effects of immobilization including the regenerative potential should be evaluated in further RMCM studies. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:99–103, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SCPP genes in the coelacanth: Tissue mineralization genes shared by sarcopterygians
Authors: Kawasaki Kazuhiko , Amemiya Chris T.
Published: November 2013

The coelacanth is the basal‐most extant sarcopterygian that has teeth and tooth‐like structures, comprising bone, dentin, and enamel or enameloid. Formation of these tissues involves many members of the secretory calcium‐binding protein (SCPP) family. In tetrapods, acidic‐residue‐rich SCPPs are used in mineralization of bone and dentin, whereas Pro/Gln‐rich SCPPs participate in enamel formation. Teleosts also employ many SCPPs for tissue mineralization. Nevertheless, the repertoire of SCPPs is largely different in teleosts and tetrapods; hence, filling this gap would be critical to elucidate early evolution of mineralized tissues in osteichthyans. In the present study, we searched for SCPP genes in the coelacanth genome and identified 11, of which two have clear orthologs in both tetrapods and teleosts, seven only in tetrapods, and two in neither of them. Given the divergence times of these vertebrate lineages, our discovery of this many SCPP genes shared between the coelacanth and tetrapods, but not with teleosts, suggests a complicated evolutionary scheme of SCPP genes in early osteichthyans. Our investigation also revealed both conserved and derived characteristics of SCPPs in the coelacanth and other vertebrates. Notably, acidic SCPPs independently evolved various acidic repeats in different lineages, while maintaining high acidity, presumably important for interactions with calcium. Furthermore, the three Pro/Gln‐rich SCPP genes, required for mineralizing enamel matrix and confirmed only in tetrapods, were all identified in the coelacanth, strongly suggesting that enamel is equivalent in the coelacanth and tetrapods. This finding corroborates the previous proposition that true enamel evolved much earlier than the origin of tetrapods.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 390–402, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of facecards on patients' knowledge, satisfaction, trust, and agreement with hospital physicians: A pilot study
Authors: Simons Yael , Caprio Timothy , Furiasse Nicholas , Kriss Michael , Williams Mark V. , O'Leary Kevin J.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Simple interventions such as facecards can improve patients' knowledge of names and roles of hospital physicians, but the effect on other aspects of the patient‐physician relationship is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

To pilot an intervention to improve familiarity with physicians and assess its potential to improve patients' satisfaction, trust, and agreement with physicians.

DESIGN

Cluster randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of physician facecards. Physician facecards included pictures of physicians and descriptions of their roles. We performed structured interviews of randomly selected patients to assess outcomes.

SETTING

One of 2 similar hospitalist units and 1 of 2 teaching‐service units in a large teaching hospital were randomly selected to implement the intervention.

MEASUREMENTS

Satisfaction with physician communication and overall hospital care was assessed using the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. Trust and agreement were each assessed through instruments used in prior research.

RESULTS

Overall, 138 patients completed interviews, with no differences in age, sex, or race between those receiving facecards and those not. More patients who received facecards correctly identified ≥1 hospital physician (89.1% vs 51.1%; P < 0.01) and their role (67.4% vs 16.3%; P < 0.01) than patients who had not received facecards. Patients had high baseline levels of satisfaction, trust, and agreement with hospital physicians, and we found no significant differences with the use of facecards.

CONCLUSIONS

Physician facecards improved patients' knowledge of the names and roles of hospital physicians. Larger studies are needed to assess the impact on satisfaction, trust, and agreement with physicians. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:137–141. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Quantification of amide proton transfer effect pre‐ and post‐gadolinium contrast agent administration
Authors: Tee Yee Kai , Donahue Manus J. , Harston George W.J. , Payne Stephen J. , Chappell Michael A.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To compare quantification of the amide proton transfer (APT) effect pre‐ and post‐gadolinium contrast agent (Gd) administration in order to establish to what extent Gd alters quantification of the APT effect.

Materials and Methods

Four patients with internal carotid stenosis were recruited. APT imaging was acquired pre‐ and post‐contrast in two sessions (before and after surgery) to assess the extent of relaxation time, T1, change on APT effect calculated using magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry analysis at offsets of ±3.5 ppm relative to water resonance. Statistical and modeling evaluations were performed on the pre‐ and post‐contrast APT effect to study the sensitivity to contrast administration.

Results

Before surgery, the post‐contrast T1 was estimated to drop <10% of the pre‐value for the majority of the patients. After surgery, higher post‐contrast T1 reductions were observed in all the patients (maximum decrease was about 20% of the pre‐value). Consistent differences between pre‐ and post‐contrast were seen in the APT effect quantified using the asymmetry measure in most regions of the brain, with significant differences found in the white matter at the group level and in 25% of the individual patient results.

Conclusion

APT imaging should be performed prior to Gd administration to avoid potential misinterpretation of the APT effect. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:832–838. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology and function: MR pineal volume and melatonin level in human saliva are correlated
Authors: Liebrich Luisa‐Sophie , Schredl Michael , Findeisen Peter , Groden Christoph , Bumb Jan Malte , Nölte Ingo S.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To investigate the relation between circadian saliva melatonin levels and pineal volume as determined by MRI. Plasma melatonin levels follow a circadian rhythm with a high interindividual variability.

Materials and Methods

In 103 healthy individuals saliva melatonin levels were determined at four time points within 24 h and MRI was performed once (3.0 Tesla, including three‐dimensional T2 turbo spin echo [3D‐T2‐TSE], susceptibility‐weighted imaging [SWI]). Pineal volume as well as cyst volume were assessed from multiplanar reconstructed 3D‐T2‐TSE images. Pineal calcification volume tissue was determined on SWI. To correct for hormonal inactive pineal tissue, cystic and calcified areas were excluded. Sleep quality was assessed with the Landeck Inventory for sleep quality disturbance.

Results

Solid and uncalcified pineal volume correlated to melatonin maximum (r = 0.28; P < 0.05) and area under the curve (r = 0.29; P < 0.05). Of interest, solid and uncalcified pineal volume correlated negatively with the sleep rhythm disturbances subscore (r = −0.17; P < 0.05) despite a very homogenous population.

Conclusion

Uncalcified solid pineal tissue measured by 3D‐T2‐TSE and SWI is related to human saliva melatonin levels. The analysis of the sleep quality and pineal volume suggests a linkage between better sleep quality and hormonal active pineal tissue. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:966–971. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response to chemotherapy in gastric adenocarcinoma with diffusion‐weighted MRI and 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT: Correlation of apparent diffusion coefficient and partial volume corrected standardized uptake value with histological tumor regression grade
Authors: Giganti Francesco , De Cobelli Francesco , Canevari Carla , Orsenigo Elena , Gallivanone Francesca , Esposito Antonio , Castiglioni Isabella , Ambrosi Alessandro , Albarello Luca , Mazza Elena , Gianolli Luigi , Staudacher Carlo , Del Maschio Alessandro
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To assess whether changes in diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) and 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT), correlate with treatment response to neoadjuvant therapy (NT), as expressed by tumor regression grade (TRG), from locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (GA).

Materials and Methods

Seventeen patients underwent both DW‐MRI and 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT scans before and after the end of NT. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and mean standardized uptake value (SUV) corrected for partial volume effect (PVC‐SUVBW‐mean) were evaluated and compared with histopathological TRG.

Results

Pre‐ and post‐NT and percentage changes for ADC and PVC‐SUVBW‐mean were assessed. Post‐NT ADC and ΔADC showed a significant inverse correlation with TRG (r = −0.71; P = 0.0011 and r = −0.78; P = 0.00020, respectively) and significant differences in their mean values were found between responders (TRG 1–2‐3) and nonresponders (TRG 4–5) (P = 0.0009; P = 0.000082, respectively). No correlations with TRG were found for pre‐NT ADC and for all PVC‐SUVBW‐mean values as well as between ΔADC and Δ PVC‐SUVBW‐mean.

Conclusion

DW‐MRI seems more accurate than 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT and ADC modifications may represent a reproducible tool to assess tumor response for GA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1147–1157. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Navigator flip angle optimization for free‐breathing T1‐weighted hepatobiliary phase imaging with gadoxetic acid
Authors: Kühn Jens‐P. , Holmes James H. , Brau Anja C.S. , Iwadate Yuji , Hernando Diego , Reeder Scott B.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To characterize and optimize the navigator‐flip angle (FA), and the influence of imaging‐FA on optimizing liver/lung contrast of the navigator profile, while avoiding visible navigator saturation artifacts, for hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI.

Materials and Methods

Ten volunteers; six men, four women; ages 37.1 ± 11.0 years underwent navigator‐gated three‐dimensional (3D) ‐spoiled‐gradient‐echo sequences in randomized combinations of imaging‐FA (10°/30°) and navigator‐FA (10‐90°) before contrast and 20 min after injection of gadoxetic acid at 3 Tesla. The signal intensities of the liver and lung were measured from navigator profiles. Furthermore, the intensity of saturation artifacts for each navigator FA was quantified using measurements of relative contrast at the artifact location.

Results

For the postcontrast images, the optimal navigator FA was 90°. However, saturation artifacts were highly dependent on the imaging‐FA and the presence of gadolinium contrast. A smaller imaging‐FA of 10° led to greater saturation artifacts for both pre‐ and postcontrast, and saturation artifacts worsen with increasing navigator‐FA. Using a higher imaging‐FA of 30°, saturation artifacts are ignorable over the entire range of navigator‐FA.

Conclusion

For navigator‐gated gadoxetic acid‐enhanced hepatobiliary imaging, navigator‐FA of 90° and imaging‐FA of 30° provide an optimal balance with maximum navigator liver/lung contrast while avoiding visible imaging saturation artifacts.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1129–1136. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Short‐term exercise‐induced changes in hydration state of healthy achilles tendons can be visualized by effects of off‐resonant radiofrequency saturation in a three‐dimensional ultrashort echo time MRI sequence applied at 3 tesla
Authors: Syha Roland , Springer Fabian , Grözinger Gerd , Würslin Christian , Ipach Ingmar , Ketelsen Dominik , Schabel Christoph , Gebhard Harry , Hein Tobias , Martirosian Petros , Schick Fritz , Claussen Claus D. , Grosse Ulrich
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Off‐resonant RF saturation influences signal intensity dependent on free and bound water fractions as well as the macromolecular content. The extent of interaction between these compartments can be evaluated by using the off‐resonance saturation ratio (OSR). Combined with UTE sequences quantification of OSR even in tendinous tissues with extremely fast signal decay is possible. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate short‐term exercise‐induced effects of hydration state of the Achilles tendon by means of OSR and tendon volume.

Materials and Methods

Measurements of OSR and tendon volume before and after ankle‐straining activity were performed in seven healthy male volunteers (median age 29 years) using a 3D UTE sequence with implemented off‐resonance saturation pulse at 3T (off‐resonance frequency 2/3 kHz) and by an automated contour detection in isotropic T2‐weighted MR images with sub‐millimeter resolution, respectively. Different tendon regions were evaluated. Reproducibility of OSR was measured in subsequent imaging sets. Root‐mean‐square‐deviation (RMSD) and coefficient of variations (CV) were determined.

Results

RMSD of OSR in resting position were between 0.006 and 0.01 for different tendon regions and off‐resonance frequencies (CV 2 to 3%). A significant increase (P < 0.05) of OSR after exercise was seen in all tendon regions except at the insertion (off‐resonance frequency 3 kHz). Tendon volume was decreased significantly after ankle‐straining activity (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

The observed decreased tendon volume and increased OSR directly after exercise indicates a short‐term change in tendinous proton compartments, most likely a loss of free water molecules within the tendon.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1400–1407. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic efficacy of the diffusion weighted imaging in the characterization of different types of breast lesions
Authors: Kul Sibel , Eyuboglu Ilker , Cansu Aysegul , Alhan Etem
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of quantitative Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in the characterization of breast lesions of mass and non‐mass enhancement (NME) types.

Materials and Methods

After the institutional review board gave approval, DWI exams of 267 women with 212 suspicious masses, 73 NMEs were retrospectively analyzed. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of benign and malignant lesions were compared. Cutoff values were obtained by receiver operating characteristics analysis. Diagnostic accuracies of DWI for masses and NMEs were compared with the use of Chi‐square test. The effect of the lesions histologic subtypes and size on diagnostic accuracies was evaluated.

Results

ADCs were significantly lower in malignants than in benigns for both masses (0.75 versus 1.21 × 10−3 mm2/s,) and NMEs (0.79 versus 1.06 × 10−3 mm2/s)(P < 0.001). Cutoff value was 0.90 × 10−3 mm2/s for both lesion types. The accuracy of DWI was lower in NMEs (76.7%) than masses (89.2%) (P = 0.008) unrelated to lesion size. There was more overlap in ADCs of the benign and malignant NMEs due to the lower ADCs of the benign histologies of this group.

Conclusion

Despite the lower diagnostic accuracy of DWI in NMEs, it could be helpful in the characterization of suspicious breast lesions of both mass and NME types.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1158–1164. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship of MR elastography determined liver stiffness with cardiac function after Fontan palliation
Authors: Wallihan Daniel B. , Podberesky Daniel J. , Marino Bradley S. , Sticka Joshua S. , Serai Suraj
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To use MR elastography to assess liver stiffness in patients with congenital heart disease palliated with the Fontan procedure and correlate findings with cardiac index and other functional parameters obtained during cardiac MRI.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 14 patients (15 examinations) with Fontan circulation who underwent both cardiac MRI and liver MR elastography (MRE) on the same day. Liver stiffness was determined by calculating the mean liver stiffness from four slice locations. The cardiac index and other flow measurements were calculated from phase contrast MR imaging.

Results

The MRE was abnormal on all examinations with a median liver stiffness of 4.0 kPa (range, 3.4–6.2 kPa; normal adult liver stiffness is < 2.51 kPa). The cardiac index decreased as the duration of Fontan circulation (Fontan duration) increased (P = 0.005). We found a statistically significant inverse correlation between liver stiffness and cardiac index (P = 0.02), as well as the ejection fraction (P = 0.002). Patients with long Fontan durations (≥20 years) had greater liver stiffness compared with those having a shorter duration (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

MRE shows promise as a monitoring tool in the Fontan population, demonstrating an elevated liver stiffness in all patients, which inversely correlated with the MR determined cardiac index. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1328–1335. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient with simultaneous MR/positron emission tomography in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis: Comparison with 18F‐FDG‐PET
Authors: Schwenzer Nina F. , Schmidt Holger , Gatidis Sergios , Brendle Cornelia , Müller Mark , Königsrainer Ingmar , Claussen Claus D. , Pfannenberg Anna C. , Schraml Christina
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To characterize peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of different histologically proven primary tumors based on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography (PET).

Materials and Methods

Forty‐one patients underwent simultaneous MR/PET after clinically indicated 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT. For all patients, histology of the primary tumor was obtained. MR protocol comprised anatomical imaging and axial DWI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and FDG‐PET were co‐registered for evaluation of ADC and standard uptake value (SUV) of peritoneal lesions. Both lesion‐ and patient‐based analysis was performed. Up to four peritoneal lesions were evaluated per patient. Mean and maximum standard uptake value (SUVmean, SUVmax), mean and minimum ADC (ADCmean, ADCmin) of each lesion were assessed. Spearman rank correlation (rs) of ADC and SUV were calculated. SUV and ADC of ovarian and colorectal cancer lesions were compared using Wilcoxon test.

Results

Measurable lesions (n = 52) were found in 20 of 41 PC patients. Moderate, but significant correlation existed between ADC and SUV in the lesion‐based as well as the patient‐based analysis (lesion‐based: SUVmean versus ADCmean rs = −0.58; SUVmax versus ADCmin rs = −0.56, all P < 0.0001; patient‐based: SUVmean versus ADCmean rs = −0.64, P = 0.002; SUVmax versus ADCmin rs = −0.60, P = 0.005). ADC and SUV differed significantly between ovarian and colorectal cancer lesions (ADCmin: P < 0.0001; ADCmean: P < 0.0001; SUVmax: P = 0.002; SUVmean: P = 0.005). Overall, mucinous tumor entities showed a tendency to higher ADC and lower SUV.

Conclusion

PC lesions showed significant differences in glucose uptake and diffusion characteristics depending on primary tumor histology. These differences should be considered when interpreting FDG‐PET and DWI in PC patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1054–1055. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptome profiling of brain edemas caused by influenza infection and lipopolysaccharide treatment
Authors: Kyan Yukihiro , Ueda Yumi , Yoshida Mitsutaka , Sasahara Kenji , Shinya Kyoko
Published: November 2013

Influenza A virus‐associated encephalopathy triggered by influenza virus infection often occurs in children aged five and younger in Japan. However, the mechanisms behind Influenza A virus‐associated encephalopathy are not yet well understood. This study developed an Influenza A virus‐associated encephalopathy‐like model using mice infected with Influenza A virus and given lipopolysaccharide treatment. The results showed that the mice used in the model suffered from brain edemas nearly three times more severe, as well as having higher cytokine levels in sera compared to those of the control groups. Using gene expression profiling, cytokine‐related genes were found not to be up‐regulated in the brain in situ, while protein coding genes, which are known to be involved in blood–brain barrier disruption, were up‐regulated. Categorizing the functional groups using gene ontology revealed the terms “ion channels,” “calcium oscillation,” and “membrane transporter activities.” The blood–brain barrier disruption found in this Influenza A virus‐associated encephalopathy model can therefore be assumed to be due to a cellular electrolyte imbalance of the neuronal tissue, in addition to a cytokine storm. J. Med. Virol. 86:905–911, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation, characterization, and evaluation of bacterial root and nodule endophytes from chickpea cultivated in Northern India
Authors: Saini Ranjana , Dudeja Surjit Singh , Giri Rupa , Kumar Vishal
Published: November 2013

Endophytic bacteria from roots (12 isolates) and nodules (76 isolates) of chickpea legume grown under CCS Haryana Agricultural University farm were isolated. Among the endophytic bacteria, 50% from roots and 93.4% from nodules were Gram positive spore formers. Large number of endophytes from roots and nodules solubilized phosphate and produced ammonia. Isolate CRE3, and CNE215, were most efficient P solubilizers and. CRE12 and CNE76 being most efficient ammonia producer. Interestingly, few endophytic bacteria produced organic acid. Further selected 62 isolates were used to determine molecular diversity by RFLP of PCR amplified 16S rDNA. Endophytes from roots formed five separate clusters and nodule endophytes formed 13 clusters. Isolate CNE215 from nodules and CRE1 from roots possessed multiple beneficial traits and belonged two different clusters. These two isolates were identified after amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Isolate CNE215 showed more than 98% similarity with partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene of Bacillus subtilis, whereas CRE1 showed more than 98% similarity with Bacillus licheniformis. Efficacy of these two strains was evaluated under field conditions and an increase up to 22.5% in grain yield over uninoculated control was observed with B. subtilis strain CNE215, whereas all the recommended biofertilizers were able to record an increase upto 14.4%.
Alteration of culture fluid proteins by cadmium induction in Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Chen Guiqiu , Zhou Ying , Zeng Guangming , Liu Hongyu , Yan Ming , Chen Anwei , Guan Song , Shang Cui , Li Huanke , He Jianmin
Published: November 2013

Microorganisms need to resist the hazards posed by heavy metals during the process of metal adsorption. Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a fungus that is efficiently used for heavy‐metal biosorption in wastewater treatment. Extraction and analysis of proteins induced by heavy metals can help to understand the regulatory mechanisms of P. chrysosporium in wastewater treatment. In this study, P. chrysosporium was exposed to 50 μM cadmium nitrate. A maximum cadmium adsorption capability of 77.1 mg/g dry biomass was found after 65 h, which was accompanied by a relatively higher protein concentration. After separation of the culture fluid proteins by two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE), three differentially expressed proteins were detected from 17 spots. By using 2D‐DIGE, followed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS), glutathione S‐transferase, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase were identified. All three enzymes play important roles in the oxidative stress caused by cadmium.
Calcium carbonate precipitation by strain Bacillus licheniformisAK01, newly isolated from loamy soil: a promising alternative for sealing cement‐based materials
Authors: Vahabi Ali , Ramezanianpour Ali Akbar , Sharafi Hakimeh , Zahiri Hossein Shahbani , Vali Hojatollah , Noghabi Kambiz Akbari
Published: November 2013

The relevant experiments were designed to determine the ability of indigenous bacterial strains isolated from limestone caves, mineral springs, and loamy soils to induce calcium carbonate precipitation. Among all isolates examined in this study, an efficient carbonate‐precipitating soil bacterium was selected from among the isolates and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequences as Bacillus licheniformis AK01. The ureolytic isolate was able to grow well on alkaline carbonate‐precipitation medium and precipitate calcium carbonate more than 1 g L−1. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) examinations were performed in order to confirm the presence of calcium carbonate in the precipitate and to determine which polymorphs were present. The selected isolate was determined to be an appropriate candidate for application in a surface treatment of cement‐based material to improve the properties of the mortar. Biodeposition of a layer of calcite on the surface of cement specimens resulted in filling in pore spaces. This could be an alternative method to improve the durability of the mortar. The kind of bacterial culture and medium composition had a profound impact on the resultant CaCO3 crystal morphology.
Interaction of the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia and Parascaris equorum eggs in different culture media
Authors: de Carvalho Lorendane Millena , Braga Fabio Ribeiro , Domingues Rafael Reis , Araujo Juliana Milani , Lelis Rosane Teixeira , de Paula Alessandra Teixeira , da Silveira Wendeo Ferreira , de Araújo Jackson Victor
Published: November 2013

Research involving the use of nematophagous fungi in the biological control of parasites of interest to veterinarians has occurred over recent years, with promising results. This article reports the infection of Parascaris equorum eggs by the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (isolates VC1 and VC4). Six groups were formed for each isolate, with six different culture media: 2% water–agar (2% WA); agar–chitin (AC); YPSSA (yeast extract, K2HPO4, MgSO4·7H2O, soluble starch); AELA extract (starch + water + agar); 2% corn‐meal–agar (2% CMA); and 2% potato dextrose–agar (2% PDA). A total of 1000 eggs of P. equorum were transferred to each plate containing isolates grown for a period of 7 days (treatment group). Also, 1000 eggs were added to each plate without fungus (controlgroup). The plates were kept in an environmental chamber at 25 °C in the dark for 21 days. After, we analyzed the effects on ovicidal activity: effect 1 (accession shell); effect 2 (penetration hyphae); and effect 3 (destruction of the eggs). No differences were observed in the destruction of eggs between the two isolates. The decreasing effectiveness of the different culture media was: PDA (38.9%); CMA (38.3%); WA (36.7%); YPSSA (36.45%); and AC (32.5%). The highest percentage egg destruction was observed when the strains were grown in culture medium AELA (44.9%); this was the best medium.
Effect of flavonoids on learning, memory and neurocognitive performance: relevance and potential implications for Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology
Authors: Vauzour David
Published: November 2013

Recent evidence has indicated that a group of plant‐derived compounds known as flavonoids may exert particularly powerful actions on mammalian cognition and may reverse age‐related declines in memory and learning. In addition, growing evidence is also suggestive that flavonoids may delay the development of Alzheimer's disease‐like pathology, suggestive of potential dietary strategies in dementia. Although these low‐molecular‐weight phytochemicals are absorbed to only a limited degree, they have been found to counteract age‐related cognitive declines possibly via their ability to interact with the cellular and molecular architecture of the brain responsible for memory. However, the majority of the research has been carried out at rather supraphysiological concentrations and only a few studies have investigated the neuromodulatory effects of physiologically attainable flavonoid concentrations. This review will summarize the evidence for the effects of flavonoids and their metabolites in age‐related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Mechanisms of actions will be discussed and include those activating signalling pathways critical in controlling synaptic plasticity, reducing neuroinflammation and inducing vascular effects potentially capable of causing new nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. Altogether, these processes are known to be important in maintaining optimal neuronal function, to limit neurodegeneration and to prevent or reverse age‐dependent deteriorations in cognitive performance. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Photodynamic diagnosis using 5‐aminolevulinic acid during gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Inoue Keiji , Uemura Sunao , Shiga Mai , Maeda Hiromichi , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Fukuhara Hideo , Kobayashi Michiya , Shuin Taro , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: November 2013

Background and Objectives

Five‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has received much attention recently as a new‐generation photosensitive substance for photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of intraoperative PDD using ALA to identify gastric cancer.

Methods

Intraoperative PDD was carried out in 26 lesions of 21 patients with gastric cancer. Before surgery, 1.0 g of ALA solution was given orally through a stomach tube. After tumor resection, resected specimens were investigated by an endoscopic PDD system, and red fluorescence‐positive lesions were compared with the pathological result.

Results

Red fluorescence was detected in 15 lesions of 11 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PDD using ALA in detecting gastric cancer were 57.7, 100, and 66.7%, respectively. The incidence of laparoscopic surgery was significantly lower in the PDD‐positive group than in PDD‐negative cases (18.2% vs. 60.0%; P = 0.049), while that of intestinal type tumor was significantly higher in PDD‐positive compared to PDD‐negative patients (93.3% vs. 27.3%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Fluorescence navigation by PDD provides good visualization and detection of gastric cancer lesions, and might be particularly useful for intestinal type gastric cancer. Thus, PDD using ALA seems to be a promising diagnostic tool for gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:213–217. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychological Effects of the Marathon Bombing on Boston‐Area Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Miller Mark W. , Wolf Erika J. , Hein Christina , Prince Lauren , Reardon Annemarie F.
Published: November 2013

This study examined the psychological impact of the Boston Marathon bombing using data from an ongoing longitudinal study of Boston‐area veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; N = 71). Participants were assessed by telephone within 1 week of the end of the event; 42.3% of participants reported being personally affected by the bombings and/or the manhunt that followed. The majority of them reported that the bombing reminded them of their own traumas and/or caused other emotional distress. Examination of change in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms from a prebombing assessment an average of 2 months earlier to 1 week after the event revealed no significant change in symptoms across the sample as a whole. However, examination of patterns of change at the individual level revealed significant correlations (r = .33; p = .005) between distress at the time of the event and change in total PTSD symptom severity, with this effect accounted for primarily by increases in intrusion and avoidance symptoms (rs = .35 and .31, ps = .002 and .008, respectively). Findings of this study should raise awareness of the potential impact of terror attacks, mass shootings, and other events of this type on the well‐being of individuals with histories of trauma and/or pre‐existing PTSD.
Retinal injury thresholds for 532, 578, and 630 nm lasers in connection to photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Chen Hongxia , Yang Zaifu , Zou Xianbiao , Wang Jiarui , Zhu Jianguo , Gu Ying
Published: November 2013

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the retinal injury thresholds in rabbits and evaluate the influence of retinal pigmentation on threshold irradiance at laser wavelengths of 532, 578, and 630 nm which might be involved in hypocrellin B (HB) and hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Materials and Methods

The eyes of pigmented and non‐pigmented rabbits were exposed to 532, 578, and 630 nm lasers coupled to a slit lamp biological microscope. The exposure duration was 100 seconds and the retinal spot size was 2 mm throughout the experiment. The minimum visible lesions were detected by funduscopy at 1 and 24 hours post exposure. Bliss probit analysis was performed to determine the ED50 thresholds, fiducial limits and probit slope.

Results

In pigmented rabbits, the 24‐hour retinal threshold irradiances at 532, 578, and 630 nm were 1,003, 1,475, and 1,720 mW/cm2, respectively. In non‐pigmented rabbits, the 24‐hour threshold irradiances were 1,657, 1,865, and 15,360 mW/cm2, respectively. The ED50 for 24‐hour observation differed very little from the ED50 for 1‐hour observation. The non‐pigmented rabbits required a ninefold increase in threshold irradiance at 630 nm comparing to the pigmented rabbits.

Conclusion

This study will contribute to the knowledge base for the limits of laser irradiance in application of HB or HMME PDT for CNV. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:54–60, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The RGD Coupling Strategy Determines the Inflammatory Response of Human Primary Macrophages In Vitro and Angiogenesis In Vivo
Authors: Bartneck Matthias , Skazik Claudia , Paul Nora E. , Salber Jochen , Klee Doris , Zwadlo‐Klarwasser Gabriele
Published: November 2013

Surface modifications of implants are frequently done using bioactive peptides. However, immune cells such as macrophages might evoke a rejection of an implant due to an undesired activation by the materials. Here, the influence of different strategies for peptide immobilization onto (poly)‐vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) on inflammation and angiogenesis is studied. The inflammatory response of human primary macrophages is investigated by analyzing inflammatory cytokine expression. Surface roughness and adsorptive coupling have only minor effects on macrophage activation. Acrylic acid (AAc)‐based covalent RGD‐coupling leads to the most favorable cellular reaction, indicated by increased VEGF release. Chemical vapor deposition treated surfaces are inert, but additional covalent coupling of RGD induces a pronounced proinflammatory reaction. An in vivo angiogenesis study reveals that covalent coupling of RGD results in delayed but increased angiogenesis. It is concluded that for implant decoration with peptides, the substrate material has to be selected carefully to prevent inflammatory immune responses.
In Situ Electroactive and Antioxidant Supramolecular Hydrogel Based on Cyclodextrin/Copolymer Inclusion for Tissue Engineering Repair
Authors: Cui Haitao , Cui Liguo , Zhang Peibiao , Huang Yubin , Wei Yen , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2013

The injectable electroactive and antioxidant hydrogels are prepared from mixing the tetraaniline functional copolymers and α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) aqueous solution. UV–vis and CV of the copolymer solution showed good electroactive properties. The antioxidant ability of the copolymer is also proved. The gelation mechanism and properties of the system are studied by WAXD, DSC, and rheometer. The encapsulated cells are highly viable in the hydrogels, suggesting that the hydrogels have excellent cytocompatibility. After subcutaneous injection, H&E staining study suggests acceptable biocompatibility of the materials in vivo. Moreover, data shows the injectable electroactive material can effectively accelerate the proliferation of encapsulated cells with electrical stimuli, and the mechanism is also elaborated. Such an injectable electroactive hydrogel would more closely mimic the native extracellular matrix, thereby combining a biomimetic environment of long‐term cell survival and electrical signal to support the generation of functional tissue.
Dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization studies to evaluate the inhibition effect of benzotriazole on copper‐manganese‐aluminium alloy in artificial seawater
Authors: Gerengi H. , Slepski P. , Bereket G.
Published: November 2013

The effect of benzotriazole (BTA) on the corrosion of a new type copper‐manganese‐aluminium (CMA) alloy in artificial seawater was investigated using dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS), linear polarization resistance, and Tafel extrapolation methods. Measurement results obtained from those three methods showed that corrosion rates decreased while BTA concentration increased. This clearly indicates that BTA inhibits the corrosion rate of CMA in artificial seawater. Although there are consistent results obtained from all these three methods, the results of the percent inhibition efficiency, IE (%), values obtained from DEIS method should be calculated from the charge transfer resistance (Rct) values obtained after 5 h.
Structure elucidation and NMR assignments of two unusual xanthones from Lomatogonium carinthiacum (Wulf) Reichb
Authors: Wang Qinghu , Bao Bagenna , Chen Yulan
Published: November 2013

Two new unusual xanthones, 5‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐1,3,8‐trihydroxy‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroxanthone (1) and 1,3,5,8‐tetrahydroxy‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroxanthone (2), were isolated from Lomatogonium carinthiacum (Wulf) Reichb. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, ESI‐MS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Phase I Study in Patients with Solid or Hematologic Malignancies of the Dose Proportionality of Subcutaneous Azacitidine and Its Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment
Authors: Laille Eric , Goel Sanjay , Mita Alain C. , Gabrail Nashat Y. , Kelly Kevin , Liu Liangang , Songer Stephen , Beach Charles L.
Published: November 2013

Study Objective

To assess the dose proportionality of azacitidine pharmacokinetics (PK) after single subcutaneous (SC) doses of 25–100 mg/m2, and determine the effect of renal impairment on PK after single and multiple 75 mg/m2 SC azacitidine doses.

Design

Multicenter, phase I, open‐label, parallel group study.

Setting

Community clinics and major academic centers.

Patients

Twenty‐seven patients with solid or hematologic malignancies.

Interventions

Part 1 evaluated azacitidine dose proportionality in patients with normal renal function randomized to single 25, 50, 75, or 100 mg/m2 SC doses. The 75 mg/m2 dosing group received 4 additional days of SC azacitidine. In Part 2, patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 Cockcroft‐Gault adjusted) received azacitidine 75 mg/m2 for 5 consecutive days.

Measurements and Main Results

PK parameters were determined using noncompartmental methods. In patients with normal renal function (n=21), azacitidine area under the plasma‐time curve (AUC0–∞) and maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) were dose proportional within the 25–100 mg/m2 range. Concentration versus time profiles after single and multiple azacitidine 75 mg/m2 doses were similar in shape for patients with normal (n=6) or impaired renal function (n=6), with higher mean concentrations in the latter group. Higher mean exposures (AUC0–∞ and Cmax) in renally impaired patients were observed; however, individual exposure values were, with few exceptions, within the same range in both groups. No drug accumulation after multiple doses was observed in either group. Terminal half‐life and time to maximum plasma concentration were comparable between groups. Azacitidine tolerability was similar in patients with normal or impaired renal function.

Conclusion

Azacitidine is dose proportional over the 25–100 mg/m2 dosing range. Overall, renal impairment had no important effect on azacitidine PK. Therefore, no initial azacitidine dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment is required.
BRIDGING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS TO ENHANCE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP AND PRACTICE
Authors: Shriberg David , Desai Poonam
Published: November 2013

This article describes the overlap between the common goals of social justice and children's rights advocates as applied to scholarship and practice in school psychology. We argue that these frameworks overlap a great deal, with a primary distinction being the roots of each approach. Specifically, the origins of social justice movements in school psychology can be traced to multicultural school psychology, whereas the roots of school psychology and children's rights stem more from broader international movements. The potential implications of the similarities and differences are explored through a case study. Finally, recommendations for the next 25 years of social justice and children's rights scholarship and practice are provided.