bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telomerase activity analyzed with TRAP in situ provides additional information in effusions remaining equivocal after immunocytochemistry and hyaluronan analysis
Authors: Adell Elisabet , Dejmek Annika
Published: April 2014

Cytology is central in the diagnosis of malignancy in effusions. Ancillary techniques, mainly immunocytochemistry, have considerably improved the sensitivity but some 10% of all cases remain equivocal and require the addition of new diagnostic modalities. We have previously shown that strong nuclear telomerase activity determined with Telomere Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) in situ is specific for malignant cells and could be a candidate for an additional test. Thirty effusions remaining diagnostically equivocal after the use of immunocytochemistry and the determination of the hyaluronan content were reviewed and their TRAP in situ reactivity was related to the definitive diagnoses based on all available data. There were seven effusions from patients with definitive benign diagnoses and 23 effusions from patients with definitive malignant diagnoses. Strong telomerase activity was seen only in effusions from patients with definitive malignant diagnosis, all effusions from patients with benign disease lacking strong telomerase activity, whereas eight of the malignant cases, including three cases of epithelial mesothelioma, showed strong reactivity. Strong nuclear TRAP in situ reactivity was demonstrated only in effusions from patients with verified malignant disease. Although the study is small, it suggests that TRAP in situ activity provides diagnostic information in about one‐third of effusions remaining cytologically equivocal after the use of current ancillary techniques. The most striking diagnostic improvement appears to be gained in epithelial mesotheliomas. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:1051–1057. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dried blood spots: Concepts, present status, and future perspectives in bioanalysis
Authors: Sharma Abhisheak , Jaiswal Swati , Shukla Mahendra , Lal Jawahar
Published: April 2014

Over the past several years, dried blood spot (DBS) sampling technique has emerged as a pertinent method in both qualitative and quantitative bioanalysis context. In the DBS method, the blood sample is directly soaked on to a paper (with or without treatment). After drying it can be analyzed by modern analytical, immunological, or genomic detection systems. Several advantages of the DBS technique such as low blood volume requirement, transportation and storage without special treatment, better analytes stability, enhanced clinical cooperation in clinical trials, and reduced unforeseeable exposure of analysts to biohazards, make it the most appropriate blood sampling technique. This review illustrates the information available on the DBS method which may serve as a single window for investigators in the field of bioanalysis. Also, it explores the proficiency and appliance of the DBS method in pharmacokinetic (PK), therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), toxicokinetic (TK), metabolomic, and disease diagnosis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trading Renewable Energy by using CO2: An Effective Option to Mitigate Climate Change and Increase the use of Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Barbato Lucia , Centi Gabriele , Iaquaniello Gaetano , Mangiapane Alessia , Perathoner Siglinda
Published: April 2014

The utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce methanol (to be used as energy vector and raw material for chemical production) in remote areas, where cheap renewable H2 could be produced from renewable sources, is a technology with a potential impact estimated to be more than 7 Gt CO2 equivalents. By using a techno‐economic analysis, it is possible to evidence that methanol can be produced at competitive costs with respect to deriving energy from fossil fuels. This result, together with an analysis of the potential unexploited sources of renewable energy that are too far from users and grids, shows that the impact on the mitigation of climate change by this route is large, up to potentially 7 Gt CO2 equivalents, and at least comparable with that of carbon capture and storage (CCS). There are also advantages in terms of i) lower costs, ii) reduced impact on the environment, and iii) enhanced energy security. Further benefits are in terms of effective integration with the actual energy and chemical production value chains. The technology may be also used to store energy to solve the issue of generation intermittency present in most of the renewable energy sources. These aspects make this CO2 conversion path using renewable energy a potentially valuable approach to mitigate climate change and increase the use of renewable energy.
Efficacy of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn (Ragi) husk for adsorption of chromium(VI): A study using response surface methodology
Authors: Premkumar M. , Abinandan S. , Sowmya V. , Shanthakumar S.
Published: April 2014

In this study, the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using ragi husk, an agricultural waste, has been reported. Response surface methodology was applied to statistically optimize the process variables such as pH (2–4), adsorbent dosage (2–5 g/L), initial chromium concentration (50–150 mg/L), rotating speed (50–100 rpm), and temperature (25–30°C) using the main effect plot and central composite design. A maximum removal of 68.64% of Cr(VI) was achieved under the optimum conditions of pH 2, adsorbent dose 2 g/L, initial chromium concentration 150 mg/L, rotating speed 100 rpm, and temperature 30°C. The statistical analysis of the data shows that the experiments are statistically significant with a regression coefficient (R2) value of 0.9445. The surface morphology of the adsorbent was elucidated using scanning electron microscopy, and the functional groups present in the adsorbent that aids in the removal of Cr(VI) were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experimental results revealed that ragi husk can be used as a potential adsorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 139–145, 2015
Solar power in Quebec: a unique potential soon to be fulfilled
Authors: Pagliaro Mario
Published: April 2014

Quebec's large solar power potential markedly contrasts with its poor achievements in using solar energy in this large and wealthy region of the world. Reviewing recent developments and putting discussion in the socioeconomic context, we provide arguments that justify our viewpoint that solar energy will soon be a relevant source of power in this Province of Canada. The rapid fall in price of both main solar power technologies, photovoltaics, and solar thermal, along with significant levels of insolation and the pronounced environmental awareness of Quebec's population support the conclusions of this study.
Rohtang Tunnel – Intermediate report at half distance / Rohtang‐Tunnel – Zwischenbilanz nach halber Strecke
Authors: Reichenspurner Peter
Published: April 2014

The Rohtang Tunnel has been advancing into the Himalaya Mountains in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh since autumn 2010. After the completion of almost 50 % of the alignment, it is time for an intermediate report. The article will intentionally not only describe technical matters but also describe the local aspects of tunnelling in India.

Im Himalaja‐Gebirge im nordindischen Bundesstaat Himachal Pradesh wird seit Herbst 2010 der Rohtang‐Tunnel in den Berg getrieben. Nach fast 50 % der Strecke ist es Zeit für eine Zwischenbilanz. Der Beitrag will dabei bewusst nicht nur auf die Technik eingehen, sondern gemäß dem Thema Indien auch die lokalen Aspekte beleuchten.
Understanding the Electronic Structure of Larger Azaacenes through DFT Calculations
Authors: Gao Junkuo , Zhang Qichun
Published: April 2014

Although azapentacenes have been widely demonstrated as promising candidates for n‐type organic semiconductor devices, the exploration of larger azaacenes is still a challenge. In particular, theoretical studies on the electronic structures of larger azaacenes and the influence of N substitution on the ground states are still rare. Herein, we reported our investigation on the electronic ground‐state characters of larger azaacenes through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results indicated that larger azaacenes (fused aromatic rings larger than 6) would show open‐shell singlet biradical characters and the introduction of more N atoms into the backbone of large acenes could favor their closed‐shell ground states. Interestingly, azahexacenes with three or more N atoms (compounds N64–N68) and azaheptacenes (compound N74) with fourteen N atoms displayed closed‐shell singlet ground states compared with the open‐shell singlet diradical ground states for larger acenes. Our theoretical studies may guide the design and synthesis of larger azaacenes, which are the promising n‐type organic semiconducting materials.
Emergent Properties in Locally Ordered Molecular Materials
Authors: Jackson Nicholas E. , Heitzer Henry M. , Savoie Brett M. , Reuter Matthew G. , Marks Tobin J. , Ratner Mark A.
Published: April 2014

The two classic structural classifications of solid matter, crystalline and amorphous, are quite useful for inorganic solids, from antimony trichloride to zinc dibromide and beyond. However, for many molecular materials, especially those based on components containing ten or more non‐hydrogen atoms, ordered single crystals are less common, and intermediate structures that are neither amorphous nor crystalline frequently dominate. Herein, we discuss several situations in which there is local (or partial) ordering in such molecular materials. These materials go beyond the standard concepts concerning polymers and must account for imperfect but substantial local ordering, such as that caused by weak intermolecular interactions (e.g., π stacking, H‐bonding, and/or dispersion forces). This local ordering has important implications for, and applications in, materials properties: we specifically consider dielectric response, electron transport, and exciton transfer. Finally, we discuss the fundamental importance of the effective dimensionality of partially ordered domains in molecular materials.
Transesterification of Soybean Oil to Biodiesel Catalyzed by Waste Silicone Solid Base Catalyst
Authors: Dai Yong‐Ming , Hsieh Jung‐Hang , Chen Chiing‐Chang
Published: April 2014

This study uses waste silicone as a low‐cost material to prepare the solid base catalyst using Li2CO3 as an activating agent through a solid state reaction for the biodiesel production. A sample of waste silicone is converted into SiO2 powder by being heated at 800 °C for 4 h. The results show that a highly active solid catalyst could be obtained by mixing and well grinding SiO2 powder with Li2CO3 calcined in air for 4 h. The prepared solid base catalysts are characterized by XRD, BET, SEM and FTIR for the physical and chemical properties. In the present study, the biodiesel is synthesized from soybean oil through a transesterification reaction catalyzed by the solid base catalyst. Under the optimal reaction conditions of methanol/oil molar ratio 12:1, 6% (wt/wt oil) catalyst amount, and a reaction temperature of 62 °C for 3 h, there is a 99.04 ± 0.9% conversion to the biodiesel from soybean oil. The waste silicone as the solid base catalyst demonstrates excellent catalytic activities and stable catalytic activities in transesterification reactions.
Seasonal influenza vaccination and technologies
Authors: Nafziger Anne N. , Pratt David S.
Published: April 2014

Seasonal influenza is a serious respiratory illness that causes annual worldwide epidemics resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Influenza pandemics occur about every 40 yrs, and may carry a greater burden of illness and death than seasonal influenza. Both seasonal influenza and pandemic influenza have profound economic consequences. The combination of current vaccine efficacy and viral antigenic drifts and shifts necessitates annual vaccination. New manufacturing technologies in influenza vaccine development employ cell culture and recombinant techniques. Both allow more rapid vaccine creation and production. In the past 5 years, brisk, highly creative activity in influenza vaccine research and development has begun. New vaccine technologies and vaccination strategies are addressing the need for viable alternatives to egg production methods and improved efficacy. At present, stubborn problems of sub‐optimal efficacy and the need for annual immunization persist. There is an obvious need for more efficacious vaccines and improved vaccination strategies to make immunization easier for providers and patients. Mitigating this serious annual health threat remains an important public health priority.
Biomechanical and microstructural benefits of physical exercise associated with risedronate in bones of ovariectomized rats
Authors: Shimano Roberta Carminati , Macedo Ana Paula , Falcai Maurício José , Ervolino Edilson , Shimano Antônio Carlos , Mardegan Issa João Paulo
Published: April 2014

Several treatments have been developed aiming the prevention of bone loss. There are discussions about the best prophylactic and therapeutic procedures for osteoporosis. This study evaluated the effects of physical exercise associated with risedronate as a prophylactic and therapeutic procedure in osteopenic bones of rats submitted to ovariectomy. We used 48 Wistar rats divided into: ovariectomized or subjected to sham surgery. Ovariectomized rats were divided into the following sub‐groups: OVX, 12 weeks sedentary; OVX‐EX, treadmill training for 12 weeks; OVX‐RA, 12 weeks with risedronate administration; and OVX‐EX‐RA, 12 weeks with risedronate administration and treadmill training. Rats subjected to sham surgery were divided into the following sub‐groups: SH, 12 weeks sedentary; SH‐EX, treadmill training for 12 weeks; SH‐RA, 12 weeks with risedronate administration; and SH‐EX‐RA, 12 weeks with risedronate administration and training on the treadmill. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated in tibias using biomechanical, radiological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. Data were analyzed by statistical tests, with significance level of P < 0.05. Results of mechanical tests showed that the SH‐RA group had lower values compared with OVX‐RA group; densitometry showed no significant differences; according to histomorphometric methods, OVX group presented lower results than the SH‐EX, OVX‐RA, SH‐EX‐RA, and OVX‐EX‐RA groups, and SH‐EX‐RA and OVX‐EX‐RA groups showed values higher than SH‐RA, SH, and OVX‐EX groups. The SH‐EX‐RA and OVX‐EX‐RA groups had decreased immunostaining for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand and increased osteoprotegerin immunostaining. In this experimental model, it was concluded that the physical training associated with use of risedronate exerted positive effects on biomechanical and microstructural properties in bones of ovariectomized rats. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:431–438, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of a Novel Series of 1,2,4‐Triazolo‐[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazines Containing an Amide Linkage
Authors: Puthiyapurayil Pushpan , Poojary Boja , Buridipad Sunil Kumar
Published: April 2014

Two series of combinatorial library of 3,6‐disubstituted‐7H‐1,2,4‐triazolo‐[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazines bearing an amide linkage were synthesized. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral analyses. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their cytotoxicity, anti‐inflammatory, and analgesic activities. Among the tested compounds, the compound 9g (Ar = 4‐(methoxybenzyl)piperazine) is the most promising molecule with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 14.24 μM in (MCF‐7) cells. Compounds 9f (Ar = 4‐(chlorobenzyl)piperazine), 9g, and 9k (Ar = 2‐(fluorophenyl)piperazine) exhibited excellent anti‐inflammatory activity at a dose level of 50 mg/kg, almost comparable with the standard drug. In case of analgesic activity among the tested compounds, the compounds 9f, 9g, and 9k showed more potent and consistent activity in both 100 and 200 mg/kg/po doses with less ulcerogenic risk.
The automated radiosynthesis and purification of the opioid receptor antagonist, [6‐O‐methyl‐11C]diprenorphine on the GE TRACERlab FXFE radiochemistry module
Authors: Fairclough Michael , Prenant Christian , Brown Gavin , McMahon Adam , Lowe Jonathan , Jones Anthony
Published: April 2014

[6‐O‐Methyl‐11C]diprenorphine ([11C]diprenorphine) is a positron emission tomography ligand used to probe the endogenous opioid system in vivo. Diprenorphine acts as an antagonist at all of the opioid receptor subtypes, that is, μ (mu), κ (kappa) and δ (delta). The radiosynthesis of [11C]diprenorphine using [11C]methyl iodide produced via the ‘wet’ method on a home‐built automated radiosynthesis set‐up has been described previously. Here, we describe a modified synthetic method to [11C]diprenorphine performed using [11C]methyl iodide produced via the gas phase method on a GE TRACERlab FXFE radiochemistry module. Also described is the use of [11C]methyl triflate as the carbon‐11 methylating agent for the [11C]diprenorphine syntheses. [11C]Diprenorphine was produced to good manufacturing practice standards for use in a clinical setting. In comparison to previously reported [11C]diprenorphine radiosyntheisis, the method described herein gives a higher specific activity product which is advantageous for receptor occupancy studies. The radiochemical purity of [11C]diprenorphine is similar to what has been reported previously, although the radiochemical yield produced in the method described herein is reduced, an issue that is inherent in the gas phase radiosynthesis of [11C]methyl iodide. The yields of [11C]diprenorphine are nonetheless sufficient for clinical research applications. Other advantages of the method described herein are an improvement to both reproducibility and reliability of the production as well as simplification of the purification and formulation steps. We suggest that our automated radiochemistry route to [11C]diprenorphine should be the method of choice for routine [11C]diprenorphine productions for positron emission tomography studies, and the production process could easily be transferred to other radiochemistry modules such as the TRACERlab FX C pro. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A multicenter, randomized, controlled, single‐blind comparison phase III study to determine the efficacy and safety of gadobutrol 1.0 M versus gadopentetate dimeglumine following single injection in patients referred for contrast‐enhanced MRI of the body regions or extremities
Authors: Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Takahashi Satoru , Umeoka Shigeaki , Sugihara Ryo , Zeng Mengsu , Huan Yi , Peng Weijun , Ma Lin , Guo Liang , Teng Gaojun , Yao Weiwu , Tozaki Mitsuhiro , Endo Masahiro , Kaji Shuichiro , Ro Tokugen , Tae Hahn Seong , Chul Kang Byung , Nishimura Hiroshi , Sugawara Yoshifumi , Katakami Nobuyuki , Breuer Josy , Aitoku Yasuko
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To demonstrate the noninferiority of gadobutrol‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with gadopentetate dimeglumine‐enhanced MRI in Asian patients referred for contrast‐enhanced imaging of the body or extremities.

Materials and Methods

A multicenter, parallel‐group comparison study of Asian adults referred for contrast‐enhanced MRI were randomized (1:1) to either gadobutrol or gadopentetate dimeglumine. Lesions were assessed for three primary visualization variables: degree of contrast enhancement, border delineation, and internal morphology. Secondary efficacy variables included number of lesions detected, match of MRI diagnosis with final clinical diagnosis, and sensitivity and specificity for malignant lesion detection. Safety was monitored for 24 ± 4 hours after contrast agent administration.

Results

A total of 363 patients received either gadobutrol (n = 168) or gadopentetate dimeglumine (n = 178). Mean total scores for three primary visualization variables were 9.39 and 9.34 for gadobutrol and gadopentetate dimeglumine, respectively. The proportion of patients with matched MRI and final diagnosis and sensitivity for malignant lesion detection was greater for unenhanced versus combined images (gadobutrol: 72.2% vs. 81.7%; gadopentetate dimeglumine: 76.2% vs. 82.2%, respectively). Both contrast agents were well tolerated.

Conclusion

Gadobutrol (0.1 mmol/kg BW) was well tolerated and effective in Asian patients referred for contrast‐enhanced MRI of the body or extremities. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:404–413.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age and molecular subtypes: Impact on surgical decisions
Authors: Pilewskie Melissa , King Tari A.
Published: April 2014

Both young patient age and breast cancer molecular subtype impact local recurrence rates and long‐term prognosis for women with breast cancer. Although rates of local recurrence are consistently higher in young women and those with high‐risk molecular subtypes, this risk does not appear to be overcome by more extensive surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:8–14. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro microbial inhibition, bonding strength, and cellular response to novel gelatin–alginate antibiotic‐releasing soft tissue adhesives
Authors: Foox Maytal , Raz‐Pasteur Ayelet , Berdicevsky Israela , Krivoy Norberto , Zilberman Meital
Published: April 2014

Tissue bioadhesives have raised interest in the last few decades as an alternative to sutures or staples in wound closing applications because of various advantages. They are less time consuming, less painful, and can be less expensive, without compromising the cosmetic outcome. Even though extensive efforts have been made, an ideal tissue adhesive has not been developed to date, mostly because of toxicity or weak bonding strength issues. Novel bioadhesives comprised gelatin and alginate with carbodiimide (N‐ethyl‐N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide [EDC]) as the cross‐linking agent were recently developed by our research group. In the current research, N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) was added to the cross‐linking reaction to enable a decrease in the EDC content and therefore also the cytotoxicity, without decreasing the bonding strength. The antibiotic drug clindamycin was added to the bioadhesive formulation. It was selected because of being inert toward the cross‐linking reaction. The effects of EDC, NHS, and clindamycin concentrations on the ex vivo bonding strength, drug release profile, and fibroblast viability, as well as the microbial inhibition, were studied. Incorporation of clindamycin was found to improve the bonding strength of the adhesive. Its release profile was highly effective against the two relevant bacterial strains, Staphylococcus albus and Staphylococcus aureus, which were eradicated within less than 48 h. The good cytotoxicity results indicate that our new antibiotic‐eluting bioadhesives represent an effective and selective treatment option for bacterial infections. Delivering an antibiotic drug locally using our bioadhesive could decrease the risk of infections and increase the therapeutic effect of the bioadhesive itself. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel self‐assembling polymeric system based on a hydrophobic modified copolymer: formulation, rheological characterization, and performance in enhanced heavy oil recovery
Authors: Wei Bing , Romero‐Zerón Laura , Rodrigue Denis
Published: April 2014

This work presents the chemical formulation and rheological properties of a novel self‐assembling polymer (SAP) system derived from a hydrophobically modified sulfonated polyacrylamide (HMSPAM). This polymeric association was established through complexation between the pendant hydrophobic groups contained in HMSPAM andβ‐cyclodextrin molecules. The new SAP system offers improved viscoelastic properties because of the “interlocking effect” of the hydrophobic groups intoβ‐cyclodextrin cavities. It also provides suitable reformability upon mechanical shear when compared to the base HMSPAM. Furthermore, SAP exhibits superior tolerance to elevate brine salinity and hardness, as well as high reservoir temperature. Sandpack flooding tests conducted at simulated reservoir conditions (Pelican Lake reservoir, Alberta, Canada) indicate that this system shows superior mobility control (resistance factor) compared to HMSPAM. It also shows potential asin situpermeability modifier, which makes this polymeric system particularly suitable for heavy oil recovery applications. For instance, the newly developed SAP produced 20% more incremental heavy oil recovery if compared to the performance of the commonly used partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide and 7% more incremental oil recovery than the baseline HMSPAM at the same experimental conditions. Overall, this new self‐assembly system shows potential for applications in heavy oil recovery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro characterization of polyacrylamide hydrogels for application as implant coating for stimulus‐responsive local drug delivery
Authors: Minrath Ingo , Arbeiter Daniela , Schmitz Klaus‐Peter , Sternberg Katrin , Petersen Svea
Published: April 2014

The improvement of well‐established local drug delivery (LDD) systems, often providing drug release independently of their need, is a challenge of current implant technology. Systems that sense signals caused by a certain disease, judge the magnitude of the signal and act to release the right amount of drug in response are hence searched for. Specific responsive hydrogels with antibody–antigen cross‐links, whose non‐covalent interaction is broken in the presence of the corresponding antigen and reclosed in its absence, are a promising candidate. However, the challenging implementation of such antigen‐responsive hydrogels as implant coating and their applicability for implant‐associated LDD systems have not been explored so far. In this context and in order to define adequate gel properties for the envisaged application, we prepared a matrix at examples of polyacrylamide hydrogels of different gel architectures, gel contents and cross‐linking degrees and investigated their impact on the permeation of the differently sized model proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA), protein A and myoglobin in a specifically designed chamber simulating an implant‐associated LDD system and the mechanical stability of the polymeric network. Water uptake, as estimated by Karl Fischer titration, which was mainly influenced by gel content, seems to primarily govern drug permeability and mechanical stability. Within the investigated matrix, a medium gel content of 15.0 w% acrylamide and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide evidenced low drug permeability, enough tensile strength and flexibility for integration of antibody–antigen cross‐links, which we could successfully evidence via fluorescence microscopy. A stimulus‐triggered release of BSA through such a hydrogel could be moreover demonstrated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perfluorocarbons enhance oxygen transport in alginate‐based hydrogels
Authors: White Joseph C. , Godsey Megan E. , Bhatia Surita R.
Published: April 2014

A major limitation of current soft biomaterials for tissue engineering and cell encapsulation is inadequate transport of oxygen to cells and tissues. Oxygen transport is a challenge in nearly all aqueous hydrogel biomaterials. Here, we report the effective diffusivity of oxygen in alginate‐based hydrogels containing stable perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsions. Incorporation of 7% perfluorooctyl bromide into the alginate gels was found to increase oxygen permeability by a factor of three. Our work also demonstrates that the increase in oxygen transport is largely due to improved oxygen solubility in PFC‐containing gels. Although promising, this improved oxygen transport comes with a trade‐off in terms of mechanical robustness. This must be carefully considered in future development of PFC‐containing hydrogels for biomedical devices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gemcitabine and docetaxel for the treatment of children and adolescents with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma: Korea Cancer Center Hospital experience
Authors: Song Bong Sup , Seo Juhee , Kim Dong Ho , Lim Jung Sub , Yoo Ji Young , Lee Jun Ah
Published: April 2014

Background

We evaluated the efficacy of gemcitabine and docetaxel chemotherapy (GEM + DOC) in children and adolescents with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma.

Methods

Data of 28 patients (20 male, 8 female) who received gemcitabine (675 or 900 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) and docetaxel (100 mg/m2 on day 8) at Korea Cancer Center Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Patients (ages 5.0–19.7 years) received a total of 96 courses of chemotherapy (median 3 courses; range, 1–8 courses) and were followed for a median of 14.9 months (range, 0.6–81.4 months). Eleven patients received GEM + DOC after surgery as adjuvant chemotherapy. Seventeen patients received GEM + DOC as palliative therapy, and were eligible for response evaluation; there were three (17.6%) complete response (CR, including two metabolic CR), one (5.9%) partial responses (PR), and three (29.4%) stable disease (SD). The objective response rate (CR + PR) and tumor control rate (CR + PR + SD) were 23.5% and 41.2%, respectively. The median duration of response was 11.2 months (range, 2.8–14.6 months). Dose of gemcitabine (675 or 900 mg/m2) did not influence the response rate. Overall survival at 1‐year was 53.6 ± 9.4% and patients who received GEM + DOC as adjuvant chemotherapy fared better than those who received GEM + DOC as palliative therapy (72.7 ± 13.4% vs. 35.3 ± 11.6%, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

GEM + DOC showed some activity in osteosarcoma. Better than expected survival after GEM + DOC was seen both in patients with and without surgery. These results may indicate that dose dense combinations of gemcitabine and taxanes (e.g., gemcitabine + nab‐paclitaxel) should be investigated in bone sarcomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1376–1381. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A rheological and spectroscopic study on the kinetics of self‐healing in a single‐component diels–alder copolymer and its underlying chemical reaction
Authors: Bose Ranjita K. , Kötteritzsch Julia , Garcia Santiago J. , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S. , van der Zwaag Sybrand
Published: April 2014

In this work, pendant groups with both furan and maleimide moieties were incorporated into a polymethacrylate copolymer with lauryl methacrylate as comonomer to yield a one‐system Diels–Alder (DA) polymer. A combined Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and rheological study was performed to quantify the extent of the reversible DA reaction and the resulting changes in mechanical properties of the polymer. The kinetics of the retro‐Diels–Alder (rDA) reaction was studied at different temperatures to determine an enthalpy of activation. Control polymers with only one functional moiety, that is, the furan or maleimide, were also synthesized to study the differences in viscoelastic behavior and the absence of self‐healing. Microscratch tests were performed to obtain information about the disappearance of well‐defined intentional surface scratches under different healing conditions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1669–1675
Diagnosis and treatment of pleuropulmonary blastoma—single center experience
Authors: Christosova Iskra R. , Avramova Boryana E. , Drebov Rosen S. , Shivachev Hristo I. , Kamenova Margarita A. , Bobev Dragan G. , Brankov Ognyan G.
Published: April 2014

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare and potentially aggressive intrathoracic disembryonic neoplasm typically occurring in children less than 6 years of age. We assessed the relative incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment outcome, and the prognostic factors for long‐term survival in patients with PPB treated at our institution over a 25‐year period, and compared these data with reports in the literature. From 1985 to 2010, 11 children (4 males and 7 females), with a median age of 5.4 years (range, 1–12 years) were treated at our hospital. Here we described the main characteristics of these patients, the diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities used. During a median follow—up period of 80, 9 months, the overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 54, 6% and 45, 5%, respectively. Two patients survived for more than 20 years. The main prognostic factors for long‐term survival were the diseases type I and II and treatment with radical surgery. Our results show that in order to improve the prognosis of patients with PPB a timely in our opinion and accurate diagnosis needs to be established and treatment should be offered according to the disease type and extend of dissemination. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:698–703. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Orthovanadate‐induced vasocontraction is mediated by the activation of Rho‐kinase through Src‐dependent transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Yayama Katsutoshi , Sasahara Tomoya , Ohba Hisaaki , Funasaka Ayaka , Okamoto Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

Orthovanadate (OVA), a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) inhibitor, exerts contractile effects on smooth muscle in a Rho‐kinase‐dependent manner, but the precise mechanisms are not elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the potential roles of Src and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the OVA‐induced contraction of rat aortas and the phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1; an index of Rho‐kinase activity) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Aortic contraction by OVA was significantly blocked not only by Rho kinase inhibitors Y‐27632 [R‐[+]‐trans‐N‐[4‐pyridyl]‐4‐[1‐aminoethyl]‐cyclohexanecarboxamide] and hydroxyfasudil [1‐(1‐hydroxy‐5‐isoquinolinesulfonyl)homopiperazine] but also by Src inhibitors PP2 [4‐amino‐3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐(t‐butyl)‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine] and Src inhibitor No. 5 [4‐(3′‐methoxy‐6′‐chloro‐anilino)‐6‐methoxy‐7(morpholino‐3‐propoxy)‐quinazoline], and the EGFR inhibitors AG1478 [4‐(3‐chloroanilino)‐6,7‐dimethoxyquinazoline] and EGFR inhibitor 1 [cyclopropanecarboxylic acid‐(3‐(6‐(3‐trifluoromethyl‐phenylamino)‐pyrimidin‐4‐ylamino)‐phenyl)‐amide]. OVA induced rapid increases in the phosphorylation of MYPT1 (Thr‐853), Src (Tyr‐416), and EGFR (Tyr‐1173) in VSMCs, and Src inhibitors abolished these effects. OVA‐induced Src phosphorylation was abrogated by Src inhibitors, but not affected by inhibitors of EGFR and Rho‐kinase. Inhibitors of Src and EGFR, but not Rho‐kinase, also blocked OVA‐induced EGFR phosphorylation. Furthermore, a metalloproteinase inhibitor TAPI‐0 [N‐(R)‐[2‐(hydroxyaminocarbonyl) methyl]‐4‐methylpentanoyl‐l‐naphthylalanyl‐l‐alanine amide] and an inhibitor of heparin‐binding EGF (CRM 197) not only abrogated the OVA‐induced aortic contraction, but also OVA‐induced EGFR and MYPT1 phosphorylation, suggesting the involvement of EGFR transactivation. OVA also induced EGFR phosphorylation at Tyr‐845, one of residues phosphorylated by Src. These results suggest that OVA‐induced vasocontraction is mediated by the Rho‐kinase‐dependent inactivation of myosin light‐chain phosphatase via signaling downstream of Src‐induced transactivation of EGFR.
Learner‐Centered SEM and Competency‐Based Education: Exploring the Learning Frontier of Graduate Enrollment Futures
Authors: Snowden Monique L.
Published: April 2014

In March 2013, the US Department of Education issued guidance to institutions on how to attain approval for competency‐based programs under the current title IV, Higher Education Act (HEA) regulations on direct assessment programs. This article considers the graduate enrollment futures of colleges and universities that have chosen and will elect to adopt and deliver competency‐based programs, and the potential role that strategic enrollment management (SEM) will play in advancing program enrollment and enhancing learner success. This SEM exploration originates at the founding institution, and subsequently emerges in the “academic context” before coming to rest at a liminal zone in the competency‐based learning frontier. Between the borders of student and academic SEM orientations, competency‐based learning figures and grounds the development of a learner‐centered SEM orientation and approach that is aligned with extant initiatives to advance graduate enrollments.
Quantitative SIMS Tiefenprofil Analyse
Authors: Schiffmann Kirsten Ingolf
Published: April 2014

Dünne Oberflächenbeschichtungen haben sich heute zu einem integralen Konstruktionsbestandteil in Maschinenbau, Optik, Elektronik, Automobilbau, usw. entwickelt. Die Schichtdicken reichen dabei von wenigen Nanometern, etwa bei optischen Filtern oder Wärmedämm‐Schichtsystemen, über reibungsmindernde und Verschleißschutzschichten im Mikrometerbereich, bis hin zu dicken galvanischen oder Spritzschichten von bis zu 100 μm Dicke oder mehr. Entscheidend für die Entwicklung und den Einsatz solcher Schichten ist eine Schichtanalytik, die in der Lage ist, die Schichten z. B. bezüglich ihrer chemischen Zusammensetzung mit hoher Orts‐ und Tiefenauflösung zu charakterisieren. Denn nur mit Kenntnis der inneren Zusammensetzung lassen sich Schichtsysteme optimieren oder Fehler in Beschichtungsprozessen identifizieren. Die quantitative SIMS Tiefenprofilanalyse ist ein Verfahren, welches die chemische Zusammensetzung von Einzel‐ oder Mehrfachschichtsystemen mit einer Tiefenauflösung im Nanometerbereich bestimmen kann und ist dadurch ein unabdingbares Werkzeug in der Schicht‐ und Oberflächentechnik. Dieser Artikel erläutert die technischen Grundlagen der Sekundärionen‐Massenspektroskopie (SIMS) und zeigt praktische Anwendungsbeispiele aus der Industrie.
DLC‐coated pure bioplastic foil
Authors: Rohrbeck Magdalena , Fischer Christian , Wehner Stefan , Meier Jutta , Manz Werner
Published: April 2014

Polymers made of renewable resources increasingly replace conventional plastic materials made of petroleum. Socalled bioplastics can be found e. g. in food industry, for agricultural usage or in the medical field. The range of applications can be further expanded with specialized coating of their surface. Especially in case of food packaging and the usage within medical devices as well as the storage of these composite materials, sterilization or at least the partial reduction of microbial growth is an important issue which needs to be addressed early in the production process. In this work, a commercially available polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) pure bioplastic foil of 50 μm thickness was coated with 100 nm of diamond‐like carbon (DLC) and afterwards treated by four different standard methods of sterilization and / or disinfection, namely deep‐freezing, ultraviolet irradiation, autoclaving and immersion in ethanol. The surface morphology of treated DLC‐coated and uncoated samples was investigated and compared to the untreated DLC‐coated and uncoated samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Measurements exhibited damage of the composite for autoclaved and in ethanol immersed samples, whereas deep‐frozen and ultraviolet irradiated samples showed no structural changes. These findings clearly demonstrate deep‐freezing and ultraviolet irradiation to be appropriate methods for the disinfection and sterilization, respectively, of the DLC‐coated pure bioplastic foil.
Prognostic Significance of Preoperative Peripheral Blood Monocyte Ratio in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Seung Duk , Kim Seong Hoon , Kim Young‐Kyu , Lee Soon‐Ae , Park Sang‐Jae
Published: April 2014

Background

Leukocyte subsets in peripheral blood, which include neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, have not been well established as prognostic factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent curative hepatic resection for HCC at the National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea, from 2001 to 2008 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinicopathologic factors, cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and disease‐free survival (DFS) were analyzed with respect to preoperative lymphocyte subsets, especially monocyte ratio.

Results

The 603 patients had a median follow‐up of 40.0 months and a 5‐year overall survival rate of 67.7 %. In univariate analysis of survivals, preoperative lymphocyte ratio ≤35 % and monocyte ratio >7 % were significantly poor prognostic factors. In multivariate analysis, preoperative monocyte ratio >7 %, satellite nodule, and microvascular invasion were independent risk factors for CSS and DFS (hazard ratio of monocyte ratio >7 % = 1.77, p = 0.02 and 1.57, p = 0.006, respectively). Considering monocyte ratio with preoperative α‐fetoprotein level, patients with both abnormal α‐fetoprotein levels (>12 ng/mL) and monocyte ratio >7 % showed significantly worse CSS and DFS than other groups (p < 0.001). Cirrhotic patients with monocyte ratio >7 % showed significantly poor CSS and DFS compared with non‐cirrhotic patients (p = 0.033 and <0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

A preoperative monocyte ratio >7 % of peripheral blood is an independent risk factor for CSS and DFS after hepatic resection for HCC. Preoperative monocyte ratio might be considered as a novel biomarker for HCC.
Solution NMR assignment of LpoB, an outer-membrane anchored Penicillin-Binding Protein activator from Escherichia coli
Authors: Jean Nicolas L. , Bougault Catherine M. , Egan Alexander J. F. , Vollmer Waldemar , Simorre Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2014

Bacteria surround their cytoplasmic membrane with the essential heteropolymer peptidoglycan (PG), which is made of glycan chains cross-linked by short peptides, to maintain osmotic stability and cell shape. PG is assembled from lipid II precursor by glycosyltransferase and transpeptidase reactions catalyzed by PG synthases, which are anchored to the cytoplasmic membrane and are controlled from inside the cell by cytoskeletal elements. Recently, two lipoproteins, LpoA and LpoB, were shown to be required in Escherichia coli for activating the main peptidoglycan synthases, Penicillin-Binding Proteins 1A and 1B, from the outer membrane. Here we present the backbone and side-chain assignment of the 1H, 13C and 15N resonances of LpoB from E. coli. We also provide evidence for a two-domain organization of LpoB and a largely disordered, 64 amino acid-long N-terminal domain.
The future of genome‐scale modeling of yeast through integration of a transcriptional regulatory network
Authors: Liu Guodong , Marras Antonio , Nielsen Jens
Published: April 2014

Metabolism is regulated at multiple levels in response to the changes of internal or external conditions. Transcriptional regulation plays an important role in regulating many metabolic reactions by altering the concentrations of metabolic enzymes. Thus, integration of the transcriptional regulatory information is necessary to improve the accuracy and predictive ability of metabolic models. Here we review the strategies for the reconstruction of a transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) for yeast and the integration of such a reconstruction into a flux balance analysis‐based metabolic model. While many large‐scale TRN reconstructions have been reported for yeast, these reconstructions still need to be improved regarding the functionality and dynamic property of the regulatory interactions. In addition, mathematical modeling approaches need to be further developed to efficiently integrate transcriptional regulatory interactions to genome‐scale metabolic models in a quantitative manner.
Deaths in the United States among persons with Alzheimer's disease (2010–2050)
Authors: Weuve Jennifer , Hebert Liesi E. , Scherr Paul A. , Evans Denis A.
Published: April 2014

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) profoundly affects the end‐of‐life experience. Yet, counts of deaths attributable to AD understate this burden of AD in the population. Therefore, we estimated the annual number of deaths in the United States among older adults with AD from 2010 to 2050.

Methods

We calculated probabilities of AD incidence and mortality from a longitudinal population‐based study of 10,802 participants. From this population, 1913 previously disease‐free individuals, selected via stratified random sampling, underwent 2577 detailed clinical evaluations. Over the course of follow‐up, 990 participants died. We computed age‐, sex‐, race‐, and education‐specific AD incidences and education‐adjusted AD mortality proportions specific to age, sex, and race group. We then combined these probabilities with US‐wide census, education, and mortality data.

Results

In 2010, approximately 600,000 deaths occurred among individuals aged 65 years or older with AD, comprising 32% of all older adult deaths. By 2050, this number is projected to be 1.6 million, 43% of all older adult deaths.

Conclusion

Individuals with AD comprise a substantial number of older adult deaths in the United States, a number expected to rise considerably in coming decades.
Microdosing of scopolamine as a “cognitive stress test”: Rationale and test of a very low dose in an at‐risk cohort of older adults
Authors: Snyder Peter J. , Lim Yen Ying , Schindler Rachel , Ott Brian R. , Salloway Stephen , Daiello Lori , Getter Christine , Gordon Catherine M. , Maruff Paul
Published: April 2014

Background

Abnormal β‐amyloid (Aβ) is associated with deleterious changes in central acetylcholinergic tone in the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which may be unmasked by a cholinergic antagonist. We aimed to establish an optimal “microdose” of scopolamine for the development of a “cognitive stress test.”

Methods

Healthy older adults (n = 26, aged 55–75 years) with two risk factors for AD, but with low cortical Aβ burden, completed the Groton Maze Learning Test (GMLT) at baseline and then received scopolamine (0.20 mg subcutaneously). Participants were reassessed at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 hours postinjection.

Results

There were significant differences, of a moderate magnitude, in performance between baseline and 3 hours postinjection for total errors, rule break errors, and the GMLT composite (d ≈ 0.50) that were all unrelated to body mass.

Conclusions

A very low dose of scopolamine leads to reliable cognitive impairment at 3 hours postdose (Tmax) and full cognitive recovery within 5 hours, supporting its use as a prognostic test paradigm to identify individuals with potential preclinical AD. This paradigm is being implemented in a larger cohort of healthy adults, with high or low Aβ, to identify pharmacodynamic differences between groups.
Anal melanoma: a rare, but catastrophic tumor
Authors: Veloso Andréa da Costa , Magno Jaime Coelho Carlos , Silva José Antonio Dias da Cunha e
Published: April 2014

Introduction Malignant melanoma of the anal canal is a rare and aggressive disease, which early diagnosis is difficult. Its presentation with no specific symptoms leads to a late diagnosis at an advanced stage. The prognosis of anorectal malignant melanoma is poor and frequently related to distant metastasis and absence of response of chemoradiotherapy. Surgery remains the mainstay of therapy; otherwise, the best approach is controversial. Considering no survival benefits for APR, wide local excision should be considered as the treatment of choice.

Methods This report collects nine cases of anorectal melanoma treated at our division from 1977 to 2006, as well as a review of the literature.

Results There were eight females and one male, of medium age 69 years (range: 41-85 years). Most frequent presentation was bleeding. Wide Local Excision (WLE) was performed in seven of them. Mean survival was 24 months, and six of them died on account of metastatic disease.

Conclusion Anorectal melanoma remains challenging. Efforts should be taken to early diagnosis, and wide local excision with negative margins is the preferred treatment. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) is a reasonable option for bulky tumors or when the sphincter is invaded.