bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial disparities in cancer therapy
Authors: Gross Cary P. , Smith Benjamin D. , Wolf Elizabeth , Andersen Martin
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether racial disparities in cancer therapy had diminished since the time they were initially documented in the early 1990s.

METHODS.

The authors identified a cohort of patients in the SEER‐Medicare linked database who were ages 66 to 85 years and who had a primary diagnosis of colorectal, breast, lung, or prostate cancer during 1992 through 2002. The authors identified 7 stage‐specific processes of cancer therapy by using Medicare claims. Candidate covariates in multivariate logistic regression included year, clinical, and sociodemographic characteristics, and physician access before cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS.

During the full study period, black patients were significantly less likely than white patients to receive therapy for cancers of the lung (surgical resection of early stage, 64.0% vs 78.5% for blacks and whites, respectively), breast (radiation after lumpectomy, 77.8% vs 85.8%), colon (adjuvant therapy for stage III, 52.1% vs 64.1%), and prostate (definitive therapy for early stage, 72.4% vs 77.2%, respectively). For both black and white patients, there was little or no improvement in the proportion of patients receiving therapy for most cancer therapies studied, and there was no decrease in the magnitude of any of these racial disparities between 1992 and 2002. Racial disparities persisted even after restricting the analysis to patients who had physician access before their diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS.

There has been little improvement in either the overall proportion of Medicare beneficiaries receiving cancer therapies or the magnitude of racial disparity. Efforts in the last decade to mitigate cancer therapy disparities appear to have been unsuccessful. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Histopathologic determinants of regional lymph node metastasis in early colorectal cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Yukio , Akishima‐Fukasawa Yuri , Ito Kinji , Akasaka Yoshikiyo , Yokoo Tomoko , Ishii Toshiharu ,   and the Toho Study Group for Cancer Biological Behavior
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND.

Early colorectal cancer (ECC) is curable by endoscopic local resection; however, 10% of patients with ECC exhibit lymph node (LN) metastasis. In the current study, accurate predictors for LN metastasis in patients with ECC were examined by using immunohistochemistry with the lymphatic endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE‐1) antibody to discriminate between lymphatics and blood vessels.

METHODS.

Colorectal tissue specimens obtained from 71 patients with ECC, including 28 patients with regional LN metastasis, were immunostained with antibodies against LYVE‐1, β‐catenin, claudin‐3, claudin‐4, and cytokeratin. The significance of the histopathologic variables for LN metastasis in ECC was investigated on the basis of specific histopathologic parameters.

RESULTS.

Lymphatic invasion confirmed by LYVE‐1 immunohistochemistry was observed mainly in the submucosal area around the primary tumor and rarely was observed in the tumor. Expression patterns of β‐catenin, claudin‐3, and claudin‐4 in cancer cells at the invasive front were irrelevant to LN status. Tumor size, depth of invasion, histologic tumor type, budding formation, and lymphatic invasion were statistically significant to LN status in univariate analysis; however, only 2 factors—lymphatic invasion and budding formation at the invasive front—were independent predictors of LN metastasis in ECC.

CONCLUSIONS.

LYVE‐1 immunohistochemistry appeared to be a useful method for detecting lymphatics invaded by cancer cells, and detailed examination of the submucosa around the tumor may be important for predicting LN metastasis. When lymphatic invasion and budding formation are observed histopathologically in patients with ECC, additional therapy, such as adjuvant chemotherapy or a curative resection of the regional LN, may be required. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Evidence for nonreciprocal organization of the mouse auditory thalamocortical‐corticothalamic projection systems
Authors: Llano Daniel A. , Sherman S. Murray
Published: January 2008

We tested the hypothesis that information is routed from one area of the auditory cortex (AC) to another via the dorsal division of the medial geniculate body (MGBd) by analyzing the degree of reciprocal connectivity between the auditory thalamus and cortex. Biotinylated dextran amine injected into the primary AC (AI) or anterior auditory field (AAF) of mice produced large, “driver‐type” terminals primarily in the MGBd, with essentially no such terminals in the ventral MGB (MGBv). In contrast, small, “modulator‐type” terminals were found primarily in the MGBv, and this coincided with areas of retrogradely labeled thalamocortical cell bodies. After MGBv injections, anterograde label was observed in layers 4 and 6 of the AI and AAF, which coincided with retrogradely labeled layer 6 cell bodies. After MGBd injections, thalamocortical terminals were seen in layers 1, 4, and 6 of the secondary AC and dorsoposterior AC, which coincided with labeled layer 6 cell bodies. Notably, after MGBd injection, a substantial number of layer 5 cells were labeled in all AC areas, whereas very few were seen after MGBv injection. Further, the degree of anterograde label in layer 4 of cortical columns containing labeled layer 6 cell bodies was greater than in columns containing labeled layer 5 cell bodies. These data suggest that auditory layer 5 corticothalamic projections are targeted to the MGBd in a nonreciprocal fashion and that the MGBd may route this information to the nonprimary AC. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1209–1227, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early teleostean basal ganglia development visualized by Zebrafish Dlx2a, Lhx6, Lhx7, Tbr2 (eomesa), and GAD67 gene expression
Authors: Mueller Thomas , Wullimann Mario F. , Guo Su
Published: January 2008

We examined the brain expression patterns of zebrafish genes Lhx6, Lhx7, Dlx2a, GAD67, and Tbr2/eomesa; except for GAD67, expression domains are restricted to the forebrain. In particular, a distribution of transcripts in the early zebrafish telencephalon comparable to that of tetrapods is revealed. Expression domains of Lhx6 and Lhx7 are restricted to a ventral subdivision (Sdv) of the precommissural dorsal subpallium, interpreted here as the homologue of the mammalian medial ganglionic eminence (the adult pallidum in mammals). In contrast, there is no such expression in the dorsal subdivision (Sdd) of the dorsal subpallium, interpreted here as the homologue of the mammalian lateral ganglionic eminence (the adult caudatoputamen in mammals). The Lhx6 and Lhx7 genes are furthermore expressed in the zebrafish ventral subpallium (Sv, septum), and in the supra‐/postcommissurally lying posterior subdivision of the dorsal subpallium (Sdp; possible homologue of the subpallial amygdala). Also in support of this comparative interpretation, Dlx2a is generally expressed in all of the subpallium, including the ventricular zones of (all three subvidisions of) the dorsal as well as of the ventral subpallium. In contrast, Tbr2 is expressed in all of the zebrafish pallium and in a restricted zone of the ventral subpallium, comparable to the known restricted septal expression in mammals. The telencephalic expression of GAD67 largely coincides with that of Dlx2a. However, GAD67‐positive cells migrate (radially) into postmitotic zones of the peripheral subpallium (as does Dlx2a and Lhx6) as well as (tangentially) into pallial zones (as does Dlx2a, but not Lhx6). J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1245–1257, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic pitfalls in fine needle aspiration biopsy of the spleen
Authors: Friedlander Maria A. , Wei Xiao‐Jun , Iyengar Pratibha , Moreira Andre L.
Published: January 2008

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the spleen is rarely performed, due to fear of procedure complications. The objective of this study is to review the cytologic diagnoses of aspiration biopsy of the spleen performed in a cancer center.

Archival material (9‐year period) was reviewed and correlated with histologic and ancillary test results, when available.

Forty‐one splenic FNA specimens were identified. There were no reported procedure complications. Nineteen cases were diagnosed as malignant. Of these, 11 were lymphomas. Nineteen cases were diagnosed as benign. There was one false‐negative case and four false‐positive cases. Primary splenic neoplasms were rare and misinterpreted as malignant.

It is important to be familiar with the normal cytology of this uncommonly aspirated organ in order to successfully identify neoplastic and malignant processes. The use of ancillary studies is important in the definitive classification of benign and malignant splenic lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:69–75. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Critical thresholds, evaluation and regional development
Authors: ten Brink Patrick , Miller Clare , Kettunen Marianne , Ramsak Klavdije , Farmer Andrew , Hjerp Peter , Anderson Jason
Published: January 2008

This paper is part of the Special Issue of European Environment devoted to the outputs of the EU SRDTOOLS project, which developed and applied a new model of regional sustainable development evaluation. This paper introduces as an evaluation criterion the idea of critical thresholds, which up to now have not been sufficiently integrated into thinking and decision making in the context of regional development. Decision making explicitly or implicitly accepts trade‐offs across economic, social, human and nature domains. Some of these trade‐offs, especially when they may threaten system integrity, are not sufficiently understood. The paper discusses how critical thresholds and trends can be integrated into evaluation methods and provides some insights from practical applications. It concludes that such integration into regional planning and evaluation should support objectives for sustainable development and improve decision making and environmental governance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Adsorption of Metal Ions on an Activated Carbon/L‐Lysine Derivative Hybrid Compound
Authors: García‐Martín Javier , Godino‐Salido M. Luz , López‐Garzón Rafael , Gutiérrez‐Valero M. Dolores , Arranz‐Mascarós Paloma , Stoeckli‐Evans Helen
Published: January 2008

The new compound Nϵ‐(4‐amino‐1,6‐dihydro‐1‐methyl‐5‐nitroso‐6‐oxopyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐L‐lysine (H2L) has been synthesised and its molecular structure determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. The Brönsted acid/base character of H2L has been determined in water in the pH range 2.5–10.0, and the nature of the observed protonation steps determined by potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods. The adsorption of H2L on a commercial activated carbon (AC) in aqueous solution is irreversible, mainly due to the electronic behaviour of the π system of the pyrimidine moiety. The adsorption of H2L on the AC provides a route to develop NH3+‐CHR‐COO–‐type functions on the AC surface, thereby yielding a new hybrid material with an enhanced adsorption capacity for metal ions in aqueous solution. The adsorption of NiII, CuII, ZnII and CdII ions on the functionalised AC has been studied and the results analysed on the basis of the reactivity data for several pyrimidine ligand/metal ion systems. The results, which show an enhancement of the adsorption capacity of the new material with respect to the unfunctionalised AC, are compared with analogous materials studied previously.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Immobilisation of η3‐Allyldicarbonyl Complexes of MoII with Bidentate Nitrogen Ligands within Aluminium‐Pillared Clays
Authors: Alonso João Carlos , Neves Patrícia , Silva Carlos , Valente Anabela A. , Brandão Paula , Quintal Susana , Villa de Brito Maria J. , Pinto Patrícia , Félix Vítor , Drew M. G. B. , Pires João , Carvalho Ana Paula , Calhorda Maria José , Ferreira Paula
Published: January 2008

Molybdenum(II) complexes [MoX(CO)2(η3‐allyl)(CH3CN)2] (X = Cl or Br) were encapsulated in an aluminium‐pillared natural clay or a porous clay heterostructure and allowed to react with bidentate diimine ligands. All the materials obtained were characterised by several solid‐state techniques. Powder XRD, and 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR were used to investigate the integrity of the pillared clay during the modification treatments. 13C CP MAS NMR, FTIR, elemental analyses and low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption showed that the immobilisation of the precursor complexes was successful as well as the in situ ligand‐substitution reaction. The new complex [MoBr(CO)2(η3‐allyl)(2‐aminodipyridyl)] was characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques, and NMR studies were used to investigate its fluxional behaviour in solution. The prepared materials are active for the oxidation of cis‐cyclooctene using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant, though the activity of the isolated complexes is higher. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Application of New Organic Fuels in the Direct MgAl2O4 Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Ianoş Robert , Lazău Ioan , Păcurariu Cornelia , Barvinschi Paul
Published: January 2008

The paper presents a new version of MgAl2O4 solution‐combustion synthesis, based on the individual reactivity of Mg(NO3)2 and Al(NO3)3 with respect to various fuels. Beside the traditionally used fuels (urea, glycine, β‐alanine), new organic reducing agents [monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and triethylenetetramine] have also been used. The study of the individual reactivities of Mg(NO3)2 and Al(NO3)3 with respect to each of the previously mentioned fuels suggested that there is a predilection of the two metal nitrates for certain fuels: urea is the optimum fuel for Al(NO3)3, whereas monoethanolamine represents the most suitable fuel for Mg(NO3)2. It has been shown by X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis that the use of a single fuel in the MgAl2O4 low‐temperature combustion synthesis leads to the formation of an amorphous powder. In this case, the formation of pure crystalline MgAl2O4 requires a subsequent thermal treatment at 900 °C with 1 h soaking time. On the other hand, the use of fuel mixtures containing urea and monoethanolamine or urea and β‐alanine proved to be the rational solution for the direct formation of MgAl2O4. It has been shown that, by using the above‐mentioned fuel mixtures, one can obtain pure nanocrystalline MgAl2O4 straight from the combustion reaction, no additional calcination being necessary. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Activity of TiIV and ZrIV Complexes Derived from (R)‐2,2′‐Diamino‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐Based N4‐Donor Ligands
Authors: Xiang Li , Song Haibin , Zi Guofu
Published: January 2008

Reaction of (R)‐bis(pyrrol‐2‐ylmethyleneamino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (1H2) or (R)‐N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine (2H2) with Zr(NMe2)4 (1 equiv.) gives chiral zirconium amides 1‐Zr(NMe2)2·C7H8 (4·C7H8) or 2‐Zr(NMe2)2 (6) in good yields, respectively. Under similar conditions, 1H2 reacts with Ti(NMe2)4 (1 equiv.) to give chiral titanium amide 1‐Ti(NMe2)2·C6H6 (3·C6H6), whereas treatment of 2H2 with Ti(NMe2)4 (1 equiv.) leads to the isolation of bis(ligated) product (2)2‐Ti·C7H8 (5·C7H8) in 74 % yield. All complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, elemental analysis, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Zirconium amides 4 and 6 are active catalysts for the asymmetric hydroamination/cyclization of aminoalkenes, and cyclic amines were obtained in good‐to‐excellent yields with moderate ee values (up to 59 %); titanium amides 2 and 5 were not active under the reaction conditions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Oxidative Ligand Rearrangement Due to Incipient Aminyl Radicals in the Oxidation of Iron(II) Species with Dioxygen
Authors: Çelenligil‐Çetin Remle , Paraskevopoulou Patrina , Dinda Rupam , Lalioti Nikolia , Sanakis Yiannis , Rawashdeh Abdel Monem , Staples Richard J. , Sinn Ekkehard , Stavropoulos Pericles
Published: January 2008

The ferrous complex [(L1)FeII–THF]–, featuring the trisamido‐amine ligand [(RNC6H4)3N]3–, where R is the electron‐rich 4‐tBu‐Ph moiety, can undergo a one‐electron oxidation by dioxygen to afford the corresponding [(L1)FeIII–OH]– complex, and a parallel two‐electron oxidation to generate the antiferromagnetically coupled diferric μ‐oxo compound [(L1re–1)Fe–O–Fe(L1re–1)]. The latter compound possesses a ligand that exhibits oxidative rearrangement and retention of the oxidation equivalent in a o‐diiminobenzosemiquinato moiety as a π radical. Ligand oxidation is perceived to initiate at an amido residue leading to formation of an electrophilic, metal‐bould aminyl radical that undergoes an 1,4‐(N‐to‐N) aryl migration reaction.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Identification of the Eight‐Membered Heterocycles Hicksoanes A–C from the Gorgonian Subergorgia hicksoni
Authors: Řezanka Tomáš , Hanuš Lumír O. , Dembitsky Valery M. , Sigler Karel
Published: January 2008

Novel eight‐membered heterocycles, named hicksoanes A–C, were isolated from the gorgonian Subergorgia hicksoni. Their structures, including the absolute configuration of all three stereocenters, were determined by means of extensive spectroscopic data. Hicksoanes have a unique structure containing a triazocane cycle, which is substituted by isoleucine and tryptophan moieties. Hicksoanes A–C showed antifeeding activity against goldfish at natural concentration (≈10 μg mL–1).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Efficient Two‐Step Synthesis of Face‐to‐Face meso‐Substituted Bis(corrole) Dyads
Authors: El Ojaimi Maya , Gros Claude P. , Barbe Jean‐Michel
Published: January 2008

The synthesis of face‐to‐face meso‐substituted bis(corrole) systems was revisited. By using a new synthetic pathway, the reaction was generalized to any type of linker and the yield was considerably increased. The dyads were obtained in yields up to 20 % from a dialdehyde linker and dipyrromethane in a one‐step reaction. The best reaction conditions required a decreased amount of TFA catalyst (1.4 equiv.) and a large excess of dipyrromethane (up to 8 equiv). Under these conditions, four bis(corrole)s linked by 2,2′‐diphenyl ether, 9,9‐dimethylxanthene, anthracene, and dibenzofuran spacers were synthesized.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Rigid C3‐Symmetric Scaffolds Based on Adamantane
Authors: Pannier Nadine , Maison Wolfgang
Published: January 2008

Efficient syntheses of rigid C3‐symmetric scaffolds based on adamantane are described. The scaffolds are available in multigram quantities and have been designed for conjugation to various natural products such as carbohydrates and peptides. They are thus valuable for the construction of strictly defined molecular architectures with threefoldgeometry for applications in bioorganic chemistry, catalysis or material science. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Core‐Extended Terrylenetetracarboxdiimides – Novel, Strongly Red Fluorescent Broadband Absorbers
Authors: Langhals Heinz , Poxleitner Simon
Published: January 2008

Strongly red fluorescent and broadband absorbing benzoterrylenehexacarboxtriimide (8) and yellow fluorescent dibenzoterryleneoctacarboxtetraimide (9) were prepared by the Diels–Alder reaction of readily soluble terrylenetetracarboxdiimides and subsequent condensation with primary amines. Applications such as for solar energy systems are discussed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Resolution of Racemic N‐Benzyl α‐Amino Acids by Liquid‐Liquid Extraction: A Practical Method Using a Lipophilic Chiral Cobalt(III) Salen Complex and Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Dzygiel Pawel , Reeve Toby B. , Piarulli Umberto , Krupicka Martin , Tvaroska Igor , Gennari Cesare
Published: January 2008

The efficient resolution of racemic N‐benzyl α‐amino acids (N‐Bn‐AA) has been achieved by a liquid‐liquid extraction process using the lipophilic chiral salen–cobalt(III) complex [CoIII(3)(OAc)]. As a result of the resolution by extraction, one enantiomer (S) of the N‐benzyl α‐amino acid predominated in the aqueous phase, while the other enantiomer (R) was driven into the organic phase by complexation to cobalt. The complexed amino acid (R) was then quantitatively released by a reductive (CoIII → CoII) counter‐extraction with aqueous sodium dithionite or L‐ascorbic acid in methanol. Thereductive cleavage allowed to recover the [CoII(3)] complex in good yield, which could be easily re‐oxidized to[CoIII(3)(OAc)] with air/AcOH and reused with essentially no loss of reactivity and selectivity. Investigation on the nitrogen substitution indicates that the presence of a single benzyl group on the amino acid nitrogen is important to obtain high enantioselectivity in the extraction process. The kinetic vs. thermodynamic nature of the resolution process was also investigated with an enantiomeric exchange experiment, which shows that the liquid‐liquid extraction with [CoIII(3)(OAc)] is an equilibrium process operating under thermodynamic control. In the absence of a suitable crystal structure of the [CoIII(3)(N‐Bn‐AA)] complexes, computational and spectroscopic studies were used to investigate how the N‐benzyl α‐amino acids are accommodated in the “binding pocket” of the chiral cobalt complex. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Shape optimization using adjoint variable method for reducing drag in Stokes flow
Authors: Shinohara Kazunori , Okuda Hiroshi , Ito Satoshi , Nakajima Norihiro , Ida Masato
Published: January 2008

To minimize the drag of a 3D object placed under Stokes flow, an adjoint variable method based on the variational principle was formulated and applied to the finite element method. The optimality condition of the present method consists of the state equations, the adjoint equations, and the sensitivity equations. As related techniques, a smoothing method for the surface mesh, a method to guarantee the constant volume condition, and a mesh relocation technique using the biharmonic equation were developed. These techniques are crucial in realizing shape optimization. To overcome such difficulties as heavy computational burden and large memory requirements, the present system was implemented with the data compression technology supplied with the parallel software library HEC‐MW. Also, by utilizing HEC‐MW, the program was efficiently parallelized, and the number of program lines was dramatically reduced. By the proposed shape optimization method, the drag on a cylinder was reduced by about 25% under a Stokes flow condition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite element approximation of the modified Boussinesq equations using a stabilized formulation
Authors: Codina Ramon , González‐Ondina José M. , Díaz‐Hernández Gabriel , Principe Javier
Published: January 2008

In this work, we present a finite element model to approximate the modified Boussinesq equations. The objective is to deal with the major problem associated with this system of equations, namely, the need to use stable velocity‐depth interpolations, which can be overcome by the use of a stabilization technique. The one described in this paper is based on the splitting of the unknowns into their finite element component and the remainder, which we call the subgrid scale. We also discuss the treatment of high‐order derivatives of the mathematical model and describe the time integration scheme. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐temperature Euler equations for a plasma with slowing down of suprathermal particles
Authors: Sentis R. , Chaland F.
Published: January 2008

In the hot plasma simulations when the main flow is modeled by two‐temperature Euler equations, it is often useful to deal with slowing down of suprathermal particles created by fusion. Then a kinetic equation has to be addressed for these particles. We focus in this paper on the coupling between the fluid model and the kinetic equation; specially details for a coherent treatment of the electrostatic field are given. We emphasize some details of the numerical simulations and we give numerical results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A framework for discontinuous fluctuation distribution
Authors: Hubbard M. E.
Published: January 2008

This paper describes a new numerical scheme for the approximation of systems of hyperbolic conservation laws. It generalizes the fluctuation distribution framework by allowing the underlying representation of the solution to be discontinuous. Steady‐state numerical results are presented for the Euler equations of gasdynamics. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CRTC1/MAML2 fusion transcript in Warthin's tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma: Evidence for a common genetic association
Authors: Bell Diana , Luna Mario A. , Weber Randal S. , Kaye Frederic J. , El‐Naggar Adel K.
Published: January 2008

Translocations and gene fusions have an important early role in tumorigenesis. The t(11;19) translocation and its CRTC1/MAML2 fusion transcript have been identified in several examples of both Warthin's tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma and are believed to be associated with the development of a subset of these tumors. To determine whether Warthin's tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma are genetically related, we used reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing to analyze microdissected components of three tumors consisting of Warthin's tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. We also investigated a metastatic melanoma to Warthin's tumor and a Warthin's carcinoma of the parotid gland for comparison. The fusion transcript was identified in both Warthin's tumor and matching mucoepidermoid carcinoma components of all three tumors, in the Warthin's carcinoma, and in the Warthin's tumor component but not in the metastatic melanoma. The results provide evidence for a link between the t(11;19) fusion gene and the development of a subset of Warthin's tumors with concurrent mucoepidermoid carcinoma and possible malignant transformation to Warthin's carcinoma. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045‐2257/suppmat. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma related to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in a patient with a novel heterozygous complex deletion in the MSH2 gene
Authors: Pineda M. , Castellsagué E. , Musulén E. , Llort G. , Frebourg T. , Baert‐Desurmont S. , González S. , Capellá G. , Blanco I.
Published: January 2008

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal disorder caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Tumors of the HNPCC‐spectrum are associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of MMR protein expression. Lymphomas are not considered to be HNPCC‐related tumors. We report and analyze a case of an HNPCC patient with three colorectal cancers and a B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Quantitative multiplex PCR of short fluorescent fragments detected a novel MSH2 rearrangement involving exons 9 and 10, which proved to be the pathogenic cause of the disease in the family. Tumor tissues including the lymphoma showed MSI and loss of MSH2 expression. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis revealed a somatic loss of the wild‐type MSH2 allele in the lymphoma. These results support the fact that the total loss of a MMR gene can lead to lymphomagenesis, as seen in biallelic MMR‐deficient families and knockout mice. Moreover, this is the first report of a B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with a loss of the MSH2 protein expression, linked to a heterozygous germline MSH2 mutation in an HNPCC family. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic lesions in a preleukemic aplasia phase in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Horsley Sharon W. , Colman Susan , McKinley Mark , Bateman Caroline M. , Jenney Meriel , Chaplin Tracy , Young Bryan D. , Greaves Mel , Kearney Lyndal
Published: January 2008

In a small fraction (∼2%) of cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) clinical presentation of leukemia is preceded, some 2–9 months earlier, by a transient, remitting phase of nonclassical aplastic anemia, usually in connection with infection. The potential “preleukemic” nature of this prodromal phase has not been fully explored. We have retrospectively analyzed the blood and bone marrow of a child who presented with aplastic anemia 9 months before the development of ETV6‐RUNX1 fusion gene positive ALL. High resolution SNP genotyping arrays identified 11 regions of loss of heterozygosity, with and without concurrent copy number changes, at the presentation of ALL. In all cases of copy number change, the deletion or gain identified by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was confirmed in the ALL blasts by FISH. Retrospective analysis of aplastic phase bone marrow showed that the ETV6‐RUNX1 fusion was present along with all of the additional genetic changes assessed, albeit subclonal to ETV6‐RUNX1. These data identify for the first time the leukemic genotype of an aplasia preceding clinical ALL and indicate that multiple secondary genetic abnormalities can contribute to a dominant subclone several months before a diagnosis of ALL. These data have implications for the biology of ALL and for management of similar patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rare PIK3CA hotspot mutations in carcinomas of the biliary tract
Authors: Riener Marc‐Oliver , Bawohl Marion , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Jochum Wolfram
Published: January 2008

Somatic mutations of the PIK3CA gene, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), are frequent in various cancer types. The majority of mutations cluster at hotspots within exons 9 and 20, which encode the helical and kinase domains of p110α. PIK3CA mutations in bile duct and gallbladder carcinomas have not been reported yet. In this study, we analysed 118 carcinomas of the biliary tract and the liver (45 intra‐ and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (CCA), 23 gallbladder carcinomas, 50 hepatocellular carcinomas) for PIK3CA hotspot mutations using polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing. PIK3CA missense mutations were found in one of 11 intrahepatic CCA (E545K, 9%), one of 23 gallbladder carcinomas (E542K, 4%), and one of 50 hepatocellular carcinomas (H1047R, 2%). All three mutations represent hotspot mutations, which also occur in other cancer types. PI3K pathway activation in hepato‐biliary carcinomas was analyzed using immunohistochemistry for the downstream targets eIF4‐E and phosphorylated 4E‐BP1 on tissue microarrays. eIF4‐E expression was found in 3/13 intrahepatic CCA (23%), 9/38 extrahepatic CCA (24%), 12/34 gallbladder carcinomas (35%), and 9/61 hepatocellular carcinomas (15%). 4E‐BP1 phosphorylation was observed in 1/13 intrahepatic CCA (8%), 8/38 extrahepatic CCA (21%), 15/34 gallbladder carcinomas (44%), and 16/61 hepatocellular carcinomas (26%). These results indicate that somatic PIK3CA mutations contribute to the frequent activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in carcinomas of the biliary tract and liver. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fronto‐temporal alterations within the first 200 ms during an attentional task distinguish major depression, non‐clinical participants with depressed mood and healthy controls: A potential biomarker?
Authors: Kemp Andrew. H. , Hopkinson Patrick J. , Hermens Daniel F. , Rowe Donald L. , Sumich Alexander L. , Clark C. Richard , Drinkenburg Wilhelmus , Abdi Nadia , Penrose Rebecca , McFarlane Alexander , Boyce Philip , Gordon Evian , Williams Leanne M.
Published: January 2008

Attentional impairment in depression is a cardinal feature of depression and has been proposed as a candidate endophenotype for major depressive disorder. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) elicited by oddball signal detection tasks provide objective markers of selective stimulus processing, and are pertinent endophenotypic markers for depression. While previous studies have sought to determine objective markers for attentional impairment in depression, evidence is inconsistent and may involve heterogeneity in relatively small samples. Here, we brought together oddball ERP recording with source localization of neural correlates of selective attention in outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD; n = 78) and participants with depressed mood (PDM; n = 127) relative to healthy controls (CTL; n = 116). The key finding was a dimensional exaggeration of the P200 (140–270 ms) to both target (signal) and non‐target (noise) stimuli, most pronounced in MDD, followed by PDM, relative to CTL. This exaggeration was coupled with slower and more variable response times, suggesting that neural systems are attempting to compensate for a difficulty in discriminating signal from noise. P200 alterations were localised to limbic (hippocampal), temporal and ventral prefrontal regions, key components of the signal detection network. A subsequent reduction and delay in the P300 was also revealed for MDD indicating that the pronounced lack of discrimination in clinical depression may also lead to impaired stimulus evaluation. This P200 increase in depression could provide a potential mechanism for the attentional impairment frequently observed in depression and consequent alterations in the P300 may differentiate clinically significant depression. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro cell culture viability of degradable poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐5,6‐benzo‐2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane)‐based polymers and crosslinked gels
Authors: Siegwart Daniel J. , Bencherif Sidi A. , Srinivasan Abiraman , Hollinger Jeffrey O. , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: January 2008

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐5,6‐benzo‐2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane) (poly(NIPAAm‐co‐BMDO)) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Using UV–vis spectroscopy, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of poly(NIPAAm) and poly(NIPAAm‐co‐BMDO) copolymers were measured, varying with respect to the amount of incorporated BMDO. This material is degradable and possesses a LCST above room temperature and below body temperature, making it a potential candidate for use as an injectable tissue engineering scaffold to enhance fracture repair. ATRP and RAFT enabled preparation of polymers with control over molecular weight up to Mn = 50,000 g/mol and Mw/Mn < 1.2. Degradation studies were performed in basic solution and in complete Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium. The cytotoxicity of the material and its degradation products were analyzed by in vitro cell culture analyses, including cytotoxicity live/dead and CyQUANT cell proliferation assays. Crosslinked scaffolds with degradable units within the polymer backbone and at the crosslinking sites were prepared using an ester‐containing diacrylate crosslinker. Furthermore, incorporation of a GRGDS peptide sequence improved cell attachment to the gels. Controlled/living radical polymerization techniques allow for precise control over macromolecular structure and are poised to become powerful tools for tissue engineering scaffold synthesis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Effect of mouse VEGF164 on the viability of hydroxyethyl methacrylate–methyl methacrylate‐microencapsulated cells in vivo: Bioluminescence imaging
Authors: Cheng Dangxiao , Lo Chuen , Sefton Michael V.
Published: January 2008

Bioluminescent imaging was used to track the viability of luciferase transfected L929 cells in poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate) (HEMA‐MMA) microcapsules. Bioluminescence, as determined by Xenogen imaging after addition of luciferin to microcapsules in vitro, increased with time, consistent with an increase in cell number. Capsules were suspended in Matrigel and injected subcutaneously. The bioluminesence in vivo increased over the first 3 weeks and then decreased, both with and without the delivery of mVEGF164 (1.2 ng/24 h/200 microcapsules in vitro); VEGF delivery was from microencapsulated doubly transfected cells (both luciferase and mVEGF164). VEGF delivery was sufficient to generate a greater number of vascular structures, but this did not result in the expected increase in microencapsulated cell viability. Interestingly, the number of vessels at day 28 was less than at day 21, consistent with what would be an expected reduction in VEGF secretion when cell viability is lost. The results presented here do not support the hypothesis that transfection of microencapsulated cells with VEGF is sufficient to correct the oxygen transport limitation, at least with this type of tissue engineering construct. On the other hand, bioluminescent imaging proved to be a useful method of monitoring microencapsulated cell viability over many weeks in vivo. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Synovial cell culture and tissue engineering of a tendon synovial cell biomembrane
Authors: Ozturk Akif Muhtar , Yam Andrew , Chin Song In , Heong Tan Soo , Helvacioglu Fatma , Tan Agnes
Published: January 2008

Restrictive adhesions are a common complication of tendon injury and repair in the hand, resulting in severe dysfunction. Creating a barrier between the repair sites and surrounding tissue layers may prevent adhesions. We present the first stage in the process of developing a synovial biomembrane for this purpose. Synovial cells harvested from the Achilles tendon sheath and the knee joint of a Wistar albino rat were cultured for 2 weeks in culture medium, and then impregnated into a collagen type 1 matrix for another 2 weeks. Cells originating from both tendon and synovium demonstrated cell growth and layer formation on the surfaces of the matrix 2 weeks after impregnation. Alcian blue staining using Scott's method demonstrated the presence of acidic mucopolysaccharide, indicating hyaluronic acid (HA) production. This provides indirect evidence of functioning synovial cells on the membrane. It is possible to culture synovial cells and engineer a synoviocyte–collagen membrane that synthesizes endogenous HA. Application of this biomembrane to tendon repair sites may help to prevent adhesions after tendon repairs. Evaluation of this method on in vivo models is required. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Nano hydroxyapatite structures influence early bone formation
Authors: Meirelles Luiz , Arvidsson Anna , Andersson Martin , Kjellin Per , Albrektsson Tomas , Wennerberg Ann
Published: January 2008

In a study model that aims to evaluate the effect of nanotopography on bone formation, micrometer structures known to alter bone formation, should be removed. Electropolished titanium implants were prepared to obtain a surface topography in the absence of micro structures, thereafter the implants were divided in two groups. The test group was modified with nanosize hydroxyapatite particles; the other group was left uncoated and served as control for the experiment. Topographical evaluation demonstrated increased nanoroughness parameters for the nano‐HA implant and higher surface porosity compared to the control implant. The detected features had increased size and diameter equivalent to the nano‐HA crystals present in the solution and the relative frequency of the feature size and diameter was very similar. Furthermore, feature density per μm2 showed a decrease of 13.5% on the nano‐HA implant. Chemical characterization revealed calcium and phosphorous ions on the modified implants, whereas the control implants consisted of pure titanium oxide. Histological evaluation demonstrated significantly increased bone formation to the coated (p < 0.05) compared to uncoated implants after 4 weeks of healing. These findings indicate for the first time that early bone formation is dependent on the nanosize hydroxyapatite features, but we are unaware if we see an isolated effect of the chemistry or of the nanotopography or a combination of both. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Selective binding of carcinoembryonic antigen using imprinted polymeric hydrogels
Authors: Casey Brendan J. , Kofinas Peter
Published: January 2008

A poly(allylamine hydrochloride) carcinoembryonic antigen‐imprinted hydrogel was synthesized using a water‐soluble crosslinker, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, to investigate its viability for protein recognition. The imprinting factor of the imprinted hydrogel toward carcinoembryonic antigen was found to be ∼5, while the imprinting factor of the imprinted hydrogel toward α‐fetoprotein was determined to be ∼2, suggesting selectivity and specificity toward the template protein. This work lays the foundation for the development of a novel line of imprinted hydrogel systems capable of protein recognition for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
A novel method to prepare water‐dispersible magnetic nanoparticles and their biomedical applications: Magnetic capture probe and specific cellular uptake
Authors: Yu Changjiang , Zhao Jianjun , Guo Yingzhi , Lu Cailing , Ma Xu , Gu Zhongwei
Published: January 2008

A novel and simple method to form water‐dispersed magnetic nanoparticles was successfully developed through glucosaminic acid‐surface modification of iron oxide nanoparticles. The resultant glucosaminic acid‐modified magnetic nanoparticles (GA‐MNPs) had not only good uniformity in spherical shape with diameter of about 10–13 nm, but also possessed excellent water‐dispersity and stability. In cell culture experiments, the internalization of GA‐MNPs into different kinds of cells was observed over a 5‐day period. The results indicated that the internalization of GA‐MNPs into mouse macrophage cells and mouse embryonic fibroblast cells was not observed after 40 h of culturing. However, the GA‐MNPs were internalized quickly into cancer cells after just 24 h of culturing. TEM images of the GA‐MNPs uptake in ECA‐109 cells were used to study the internalization mechanisms of GA‐MNPs and their distribution in ECA‐109 cells. Additionally, a water‐dispersed magnetic capture probe was prepared by immobilization of oligonucleotides onto GA‐MNPs, and the probe was used for detection and separation of their complementary oligonucleotides sequence. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 87A: 364–372, 2008
Synthesis and characterization of functionalized biodegradable poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐RS‐β‐malic acid)
Authors: He Bin , Poon Yin Fun , Feng Jie , Chan‐Park Mary B.
Published: January 2008

Amorphous poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐RS‐β‐malic acid) (PDLLMAc) was synthesized by hydrogenolysis of poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐RS‐β‐malolactonate) (PDLLMA), which was obtained from the ring‐opening polymerization of DL‐lactide (DLLA) and RS‐β‐benzyl malolactonate (MA) using stannous octoate as the catalyst. The amount of malolactonate (MA) in the feeding dose was varied from 0 to 8.0 mol %. The copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, GPC, and DSC. The tensile properties and water uptake of the copolymers were measured. The protective benzyl groups in PDLLMA were completely removed in hydrogenolysis to produce PDLLMAc. The molecular weight (Mn) of the copolymers decreased with increasing MA content. However, with low feed MA content of 0.6 and 1.0%, high molecular weight PDLLMAc with Mn of 63 and 35 kDa, respectively, were obtained; these copolymers exhibited good tensile yield stress and modulus of 17–23 MPa and 1.1–1.4 GPa, which are comparable to PDLLA homopolymer. The corresponding protected PDLLMA have tensile yield stress/modulus of 2.0–2.4 MPa and 11–42 MPa. The malic acid comonomer in PDLLMAc significantly improves the tensile strength and modulus compared to the protected PDLLMA. Further, the functionalizable PDLLMAc (with 0.6 mol % feed MA) was grafted with bioactive RGD peptide. The culture of primary umbilical artery smooth muscle cells was investigated. Methylthiazoletetrazolium results showed that both the RGD‐ and COOH‐functionalized (0.6 mol %) PDLLMAc copolymers were significantly more biocompatible than the control PDLLA and could potentially be employed as tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Back‐regulation of six oxidative stress proteins with grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts in rat diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Li Bao‐Ying , Cheng Mei , Gao Hai‐Qing , Ma Ya‐Bing , Xu Ling , Li Xian‐Hua , Li Xiao‐Li , You Bei‐An
Published: January 2008

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. To prevent the development of this disease and to improve advanced kidney injury, effective therapies directed toward the key molecular target are required. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts (GSPE) have been reported to be effective in treating DN, while little is known about the functional protein changes. In this study, we used streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetic rats. GSPE (250 mg/kg body weight/day) were administrated to diabetic rats for 24 weeks. Serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and advanced glycation end products were determined. Consequently, 2‐D difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to investigate kidney protein profiles among the control, untreated and GSPE treated diabetic rats. Twenty‐five proteins were found either up‐regulated or down‐regulated in the kidneys of untreated diabetic rats. Only nine proteins in the kidneys of diabetic rats were found to be back‐regulated to normal levels after GSPE therapy. These back‐regulated proteins are involved in oxidative stress, glycosylation damage, and amino acids metabolism. Our findings might help to better understanding of the mechanism of DN, and provide novel targets for estimating the effects of GSPE therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 668–679, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Small weight codewords in the LDPC codes arising from linear representations of geometries
Authors: Pepe V. , Storme L. , Van de Voorde G.
Published: January 2008

In this article, we investigate the minimum distance and small weight codewords of the LDPC codes of linear representations, using only geometrical methods. First, we present a new lower bound on the minimum distance and we present a number of cases in which this lower bound is sharp. Then we take a closer look at the cases$T_2^*(\Theta)$and$T_2^*(\Theta)^D$with$\Theta$a hyperoval, henceqeven, and characterize codewords of small weight. When investigating the small weight codewords of$T_2^*(\Theta)^D$, we deal with the case of$\Theta$a regular hyperoval, that is, a conic and its nucleus, separately, since in this case, we have a larger upper bound on the weight for which the results are valid. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 1–24, 2009
Reversal of myofibroblasts by amniotic membrane stromal extract
Authors: Li Wei , He Hua , Chen Ying‐Ting , Hayashida Yasutaka , Tseng Scheffer C.G.
Published: January 2008

Myofibroblasts play an important role in morphogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis in most tissues. The amniotic membrane stroma can maintain keratocytes in cultures and prevent them from differentiating into myofibroblasts. However, it is unknown whether the AM stroma can also reverse differentiated myofibroblasts. In this study, we found that amniotic membrane stromal cells (AMSCs), which adopted fibroblastic phenotype in vivo, quickly and completely differentiated into myofibroblasts during ex vivo culture in DMEM/FBS on plastic within 2 passages. When cultured on type I collagen, the myofibroblasts maintained their phenotype, however, when these myofibroblasts were re‐seeded onto a cryopreserved amniotic membrane stromal surface, they reversed to the fibroblast phenotype. Moreover, we found that the amniotic membrane stromal extract not only helps maintain primary AMSCs fibroblastic phenotype in vitro, but also can reverse differentiated myofibroblasts back to fibroblasts. This reversal was not coupled with cell proliferation. We concluded that the amniotic membrane stroma contains soluble factors that can regulate the mesenchymal cell differentiation. Further investigation into the identity of these factors and the control mechanisms may unravel a new scar‐reversing strategy. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 657–664, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.