bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk by histologic type in central China: Impact of smoking, alcohol and family history
Authors: Ji Xuemei , Zhang Weidong , Xie Conghua , Wang Bicheng , Zhang Gong , Zhou Fuxiang
Published: September 2010

The role of cigarette smoking, alcohol use, family history of cancer and the interaction of cigarettes and family history in the etiology of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in general and within each histologic type are unclear. We conducted a case‐control study among 1,044 Han Chinese patients with NPC and 1,095 Han Chinese cancer‐free control subjects. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between histologic type of NPC and cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and family history. The results indicated that NPC was significantly associated with cigarette smoking [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.38–3.70], and the association exhibited a dose‐response relationship for intensity, duration, and cumulative consumption of cigarettes (ptrend < 0.0001 for intensity, duration and cumulative consumption of cigarettes). Positive family history of cancer led to a significant 12‐fold elevated risk of NPC (adjusted OR = 12.95, 95% CI, 7.12–23.54) and acted jointly with cigarettes in contributing to NPC risk (adjusted OR = 56.68, 95% CI, 17.25–186.19). The association of NPC risk with cigarettes was stronger for nonkeratinizing carcinoma than for keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (KSCC), whereas family history was more closely associated with KSCC. NPC risk was not associated with alcohol consumption. Our study demonstrated that cigarette smoking and family history of cancer could serve independently and jointly as risk factors for etiology of NPC and might affect the risk of histology‐specific NPC differently. This knowledge may help facilitate comprehension of NPC etiology in general as well as within each histologic type, and thereby improve prevention efforts.
Mesenchymal stromal cells from primary osteosarcoma are non‐malignant and strikingly similar to their bone marrow counterparts
Authors: Brune Jan C. , Tormin Ariane , Johansson Maria C. , Rissler Pehr , Brosjö Otte , Löfvenberg Richard , von Steyern Fredrik Vult , Mertens Fredrik , Rydholm Anders , Scheding Stefan
Published: September 2010

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are multipotent cells that can be isolated from a number of human tissues. In cancer, MSC have been implicated with tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance and were even suggested as possible tumor‐initiating cells in osteosarcoma (OS). However, MSC from OS and their possible tumor origin have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, primary OS mesenchymal progenitors and OS‐derived MSC were studied. OS samples contained very high frequencies of mesenchymal progenitor cells as measured by the colony‐forming unit fibroblast (CFU‐F) assay (median: 1,117 colonies per 105cells, range: 133–3,000,n= 6). This is considerably higher compared to other human tissues such as normal bone marrow (BM) (1.3 ± 0.2 colonies per 105cells,n= 8). OS‐derived MSC (OS‐MSC) showed normal MSC morphology and expressed the typical MSC surface marker profile (CD105/CD73/CD90/CD44/HLA‐classI/CD166 positive, CD45/CD34/CD14/CD19/HLA‐DR/CD31 negative). Furthermore, all OS‐MSC samples could be differentiated into the osteogenic lineage, and all but one sample into adipocytes and chondrocytes. Genetic analysis of OS‐MSC as well as OS‐derived spheres showed no tumor‐related chromosomal aberrations. OS‐MSC expression of markers related to tumor‐associated fibroblasts (fibroblast surface protein, alpha‐smooth muscle actin, vimentin) was comparable to BM‐MSC and OS‐MSC growth was considerably affected by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Taken together, our results demonstrate that normal, non‐malignant mesenchymal stroma cells are isolated from OS when MSC culture techniques are applied. OS‐MSC represent a major constituent of the tumor microenvironment, and they share many properties with BM‐derived MSC.
The plasmacytoid carcinoma of the bladder—rare variant of aggressive urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Keck Bastian , Stoehr Robert , Wach Sven , Rogler Anja , Hofstaedter Ferdinand , Lehmann Jan , Montironi Rodolfo , Sibonye Mathilde , Fritsche Hans M. , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Epstein Jonathan I. , Wullich Bernd , Hartmann Arndt
Published: September 2010

The WHO 2004 classification defines new histological and molecular variants of urothelial carcinoma. However, there are limited data available on the clinicopathological characteristics or prognosis of these variants. We present histopathological, molecular and clinical data of 32 plasmacytoid carcinomas of the bladder (PUC) showing that PUC is a high‐grade tumor with molecular features of aggressive urothelial carcinoma, usually diagnosed in advanced pathological stage (64% pT3, 23% pT4) showing metastases in 60% of the patients. Average survival of our cohort of PUC treated with radical cystectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy was lower than what is typically seen for comparable conventional urothelial carcinomas. Eighty‐seven percent of the PUCs showed a negative or strongly reduced membranous staining of E‐cadherin. β‐Catenin staining was negative in 22.5%, and 16.7% of the remaining tumors showed nuclear accumulation. Aberrant CK20 expression (negative or >10% of cells stained) and negative CK7 staining was found in 100% and 22.6%, respectively. Ninety‐seven percent revealed positive staining for PAN‐CK. CD138 was positive in 78%, whereas MUM‐1 expression was negative in all cases. Multitarget fluorescence in situ hybridization showed all PUCs to be highly aneuploid and polysomic. Deletions on chromosome 9p21 seem to play an important role in this variant. FGFR3 and PIK3CA mutation analyses yielded no mutations in any of the PUCs analyzed. TP53 mutation analysis showed mutations in 29%. In summary, PUC is an aggressive variant of bladder cancer with molecular features of advanced bladder cancer and evidence of WNT pathway activation in some of the cases.
No further increase in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in Sweden
Authors: Lagergren Jesper , Mattsson Fredrik
Published: September 2010

Since 1970, the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased rapidly in Western populations, whereas the incidences of gastric cardia and gastric non‐cardia adenocarcinoma have increased moderately and declined, respectively. The Swedish Cancer Register and Total Population Register provided opportunities for a valid update of incidence trends of these tumors including the year 2008. Joinpoint regression was used to assess any shifts in trends with calendar time. The esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence reached a peak in 2005, and then showed a decrease. During the period 2001–2008, the joinpoint regression analysis indicates a virtually stable incidence (annual percentage increase 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.7 to 5.1). The cardia adenocarcinoma incidence has slightly decreased after 1990 (annual percentage decrease −1.0, 95% CI −1.6 to −0.3). The decreasing incidence of gastric non‐cardia adenocarcinoma has continued steadily during recent years (annual percentage decrease −4.9 (95% CI −5.2 to −4.7). Thus, an encouraging break in the rising incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has been seen in Sweden since 2005, whereas the corresponding incidences of gastric cardia and non‐cardia adenocarcinoma have been stable and decreasing, respectively.
Preconditioning chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin enhances the antitumor activity of cytokine induced‐killer cells in a murine lung carcinoma model
Authors: Huang Xiang , Huang Guichun , Song Haizhu , Chen Longbang
Published: September 2010

Adoptive cell therapy involving the use of ex vivo generated cytokine‐induced killer cells (CIKs) provides a promising approach to immunotherapy. However, the therapeutic activity of CIKs is limited by the immunosuppressive factors active in the host. It has become increasingly apparent that manipulation of the recipient immune system with the preconditioning regimen is essential to guarantee the antitumor effect of subsequent adoptive cell therapy. In our study, paclitaxel (PTX) and cisplatin (DDP) were used as preconditioning drugs combined with CIKs to illustrate the potential mechanisms underlying the synergic antitumor effect against Lewis lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We found that 3LL cells displayed an increased sensitization to CIKs‐induced lysis after treatment with PTX or DDP in vitro. Significant inhibition of tumor growth was observed in mice treated with combinatorial chemo‐immunotherapy with respect to untreated or single regimen treated ones. Prior chemotherapy markedly enhanced the intratumoral accumulation of CD3+ T lymphocytes and the homing of CIKs to the spleen and tumor. Moreover, the frequencies of intratumoral and splenic regulatory T cells (Tregs) were significantly decreased after chemotherapy pretreatment. Our findings provide a new rationale for combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy to induce a synergistic antitumor response in patients with lung cancer.
Immunomodulatory IL‐18 binding protein is produced by prostate cancer cells and its levels in urine and serum correlate with tumor status
Authors: Fujita Kazutoshi , Ewing Charles M. , Isaacs William B. , Pavlovich Christian P.
Published: September 2010

Cytokines may play a role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer. A cytokine antibody array was previously applied to prostatic fluid obtained from patients with prostate cancer, and interleukin 18 binding protein (IL‐18BP), a potent inhibitor of interleukin 18, was noted to be significantly upregulated in cases with large volume disease. We sought to further characterize the association of IL‐18BP with prostate cancer and determine whether IL‐18BP levels in patient serum and urine samples had clinical relevance. IL‐18BP was expressed and secreted by the prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and PC3 but not by LNCaP and CWR22, upon interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) stimulation. IFN‐γ‐induced secretion of IL‐18BP was enhanced by added TNF‐α, IFN‐α and IFN‐β. The IL‐18BP secreted from DU145 and PC3 functionally inhibited IL‐18. Immunohistochemical analyses showed positive IL‐18BP staining in prostate cancer cells as well as in macrophages in radical prostatectomy specimens. Significant differences in urinary IL‐18BP levels (normalized by total protein) collected post‐DRE were found between cases with and without cancer on biopsy (p = 0.02) and serum IL‐18BP levels correlated with Gleason score (p = 0.03). Our finding of elevated IL‐18BP secretion from prostate cancer cells suggests an attempt by cancer to escape immune surveillance. IL‐18BP merits further study as a marker of aggressive prostate cancer and as a therapeutic target.
NUTRIENT DISTRIBUTION, GROWTH, AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY IN MAIZE FOLLOWING WINTER WHEAT IRRIGATED BY SPRINKLERS OR SURFACE IRRIGATION
Authors: Lv Guohua , Kang Yaohu , Li Lan , Liu Shiping
Published: September 2010

The pattern of distribution of nutrients in maize varied with the method of irrigation used for winter wheat. The major nutrient uptake zone was concentrated closer to the soil surface in fields irrigated with sprinklers than in surface‐irrigated fields, especially in dry years, which lowered the amounts of available soil N and P. Maximum values for plant height, leaf area index, and grain yield were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in surface‐irrigated fields when water was supplied in large quantity. When supplied in small quantity, the difference between the irrigation methods was reduced because of the wet and rainy weather during the growing season of winter wheat. The amount of water held in the soil profile was greater, and deep percolation minimal, in sprinkler‐irrigated fields, which could lower the amount of soil N lost from leaching. Water use efficiency (WUE) was higher in surface‐irrigated fields. These observations suggest that to maximize grain yield of winter wheat and maize, fertilizer application to maize in sprinkler‐irrigated fields should change correspondingly. The management of the succeeding crop should thus reflect the irrigation method used for the preceding crop in order to obtain the highest yield. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aqueous phase synthesis of CdTe quantum dots for biophotonics
Authors: Yong Ken‐Tye , Law Wing‐Cheung , Roy Indrajit , Jing Zhu , Huang Huijie , Swihart Mark T. , Prasad Paras N.
Published: September 2010

Over the past few years, CdTe quantum dots have been demonstrated as powerful probes for biophotonics applications. The aqueous phase synthesis technique remains the best approach to make high quality CdTe QDs in a single‐pot process. CdTe QDs prepared directly in the aqueous phase can have quantum yield as high as 80%. In addition, the surface of CdTe QDs prepared using the aqueous phase technique is functionalized with reactive groups that enable them to be directly conjugated with specific ligands for targeted delivery and sensing. In this contribution, we review recent progress in fabricating aqueous CdTe QDs and exploiting their optical properties in novel approaches to biomedical imaging and sensing applications. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bone bioelectricity: What have we learned in the past 160 years?
Authors: Isaacson Brad M. , Bloebaum Roy D.
Published: September 2010

The direct relationship between bone strain and electric fields has spurred continual interest in the field of bioelectricity over the past 160 years. It has been reported that stress‐generated potentials alter cell proliferation and extracellular matrix secretion. The observation that endogenous electrical signals facilitate osteoinduction has lead to high production of electrical stimulation devices to fix bone defects. Despite the reported 100,000 nonunions healed as of 1990 with electrical stimulation, skepticism due to lack of homogeneity with trial design and dosage still exists within the scientific community. It is the purpose of this review to assess the bioelectric phenomenon of bone as it applies to piezoelectricity, fracture healing, and overall changes in bone metabolism which occur with controlled electrical stimulation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Bond strength determination of hydroxyapatite coatings on Ti‐6Al‐4V substrates using the LAser Shock Adhesion Test (LASAT)
Authors: Guipont Vincent , Jeandin Michel , Bansard Sebastien , Khor Khiam Aik , Nivard Mariette , Berthe Laurent , Cuq‐Lelandais Jean‐Paul , Boustie Michel
Published: September 2010

An adhesion test procedure applied to plasma‐sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings to measure the “LASAT threshold” (LAser Shock Adhesion test) is described. The good repeatability and minimal discrepancy of the laser‐driven adhesion test data were ascertained for conventional plasma sprayed HA coatings. As a further demonstration, the procedure was applied to HA coatings with diverse characteristics on the ceramic/metal interface. Different preheating and grit blasting conditions and the presence of a thick plasma‐sprayed Ti sublayer or a thin TiO2 layer prepared by oxidation were investigated through LASAT. It was assessed that a rough surface can significantly improve the coating's bond strength. However, it was also demonstrated that a thin TiO2 layer on a smooth Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate can have a major influence on adhesion as well. Preheating up to 270°C just prior to the first HA spraying pass had no effect on the adhesion strength. Further development of the procedure was done to achieve an in situ LASAT with in vitro conditions applied on HA coatings. To that end, different crystalline HA contents were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF). Beyond the demonstration of the capability of this laser‐driven adhesion test devoted to HA coatings in dry or liquid environment, the present study provided empirical information on pertinent processing characteristics that could strengthen or weaken the HA/Ti‐6Al‐4V bond. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
The expression of bone matrix proteins induced by different bioimplants in a rabbit sinus lift model
Authors: Hu ZhenMing , Peel Sean A.F. , Ho Stephen K. C. , Sándor George K. B. , Su Yan , Clokie Cameron M. L.
Published: September 2010

This study aimed to analyze the expression of bone matrix proteins and CD31 by immunohistochemistry after maxillary sinus grafting with different bioimplants in a rabbit model. Rabbit demineralized bone matrix (DBM), partially purified bovine bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), a mixture of BMP with DBM (BMP/DBM), or particulated autogenous bone was grafted into the maxillary sinuses of 42 rabbits. Animals were sacrificed at 2 and 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of type 1 collagen (COL1), osteonectin (ON), osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and CD31. Sinuses grafted with BMP were filled with trabeculae of woven bone that was strongly immunoreactive for COL1, OC, ON, and BSP. BMP/DBM showed strongly positive immunoreactivity for these proteins within the newly formed bone, but weak immunoreactivity in the DBM particles. Immunoreactivity for COL1, OC, ON, and BSP in DBM sinuses was only seen in the osteoblasts rimming the grafted bone particles. The staining of autogenous bone graft sinuses was similar to those grafted with DBM. OPN staining was detected in autogenous bone graft, BMP/DBM, and BMP bioimplants. CD31 staining was strongest in BMP and BMP/noncollagenous matrix proteins sinuses. These results suggest that exogenous BMP enhances not only osteogenesis but also angiogenesis, an important part of bone repair. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Chitosan scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration
Authors: Abarrategi Ander , Lópiz‐Morales Yaiza , Ramos Viviana , Civantos Ana , López‐Durán Luis , Marco Fernando , López‐Lacomba José Luis
Published: September 2010

A variety of biomaterials have been introduced as potential substrates for cartilage repair. One such candidate is chitosan, which shares some characteristics with glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronic acid present in articular cartilage. Depending on chitosan source and preparation procedure, variations into its properties can be attained. Thus, the aim of this article is to study and select the most adequate chitosan properties for in vivo osteochondral tissue regeneration. In this work, chitosan molecular weight, deacetylation degree, and calcium content are tested as material variable properties. According to these properties, porous scaffolds were prepared, implanted in rabbit knee osteochondral defects, and evaluated 3 months after surgery. Results show in vitro a considerable influence of the material molecular weight on the scaffold structure. In vivo, different tissue responses were observed depending on the implanted chitosan properties. Some samples showed no material degradation, multiple adverse tissue responses, and no bone/cartilage tissue formation. Other samples showed no adverse responses and bone and cartilage tissue regeneration. The chitosan with intact mineral content (17.9 wt %), lowest molecular weight (11.49 KDa), and lowest deacetylation degree (83%) shows a well structured subchondral bone and noticeable cartilaginous tissue regeneration, being it the best one of those tested for osteochondral defect regeneration. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Specific antibody filter (SAF) binding capacity enhancement to remove anti‐A antibodies
Authors: Gautam Shalini , Korchagina Elena Y. , Bovin Nicolai V. , Federspiel William J.
Published: September 2010

Removal of Anti‐A/B antibodies prior to ABO‐incompatible transplantation can prevent hyperacute organ rejection. We are developing a specific antibody filter (SAF) device to selectively remove ABO blood group antibodies from the whole blood by utilizing immunoaffinity adsorption. The device consists of ultrafiltration hollow fiber membranes with synthetic antigens specific to bind blood group antibodies immobilized on the inner lumenal walls of the fibers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antigen molecular weight and surface activation process to increase the antibody binding capacity of the fiber membrane surface. A new higher molecular weight antigen Atri‐pNSA‐1000 compared with Atri‐pNPA‐30 (A‐trisaccharide (Atri) conjugated to activated polymers of Mol. wt. 1000 kDa and 30 kDa, respectively) was employed to improve accessibility of the antigen to bind antibodies. Also, a cyanogen bromide (CNBr) based surface activation method mediated by TEA in neutral pH medium was used to enhance the number of active sites for antigen binding compared to a strong basic medium of NaOH. Using a CNBr/TEA activation method and by immobilizing Atri‐pNSA‐1000 antigen, an antibody binding capacity (∼0.01 monoclonal anti‐A IgM nmol/cm2) was achieved on the fiber surface. This binding capacity was sufficient to reduce monoclonal antibody titer from 1:128 to final titer below 1:4 with a surface area to volume ratio that is similar to commercial dialysis device (∼1.1 m2 surface area for an average body blood volume of 5 L). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Characterization and cytocompatibility of biphasic calcium phosphate/polyamide 6 scaffolds for bone regeneration
Authors: Shen Juan , Li Yubao , Zuo Yi , Zou Qin , Cheng Lin , Zhang Li , Gong Mei , Gao Shibo
Published: September 2010

Porous scaffolds of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)/polyamide 6 (PA6) with weight ratios of 30/70, 45/55, and 55/45 have been fabricated through a modified thermally induced phase separation technique. The chemical structure properties, macrostructure, and mechanical strength of the scaffolds were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing. The results indicated that the BCP/PA6 scaffolds had an interconnected porous structure with a pore size mainly ranging from 100 to 900 μm and many micropores on the rough pore walls. The mechanical property of the scaffold was significantly enhanced by the addition of BCP inorganic fillers. The 55/45 BCP/PA6 composite scaffold with 76.5% ± 2.1% porosity attained a compressive strength of 1.86 ± 0.14 MPa. Moreover, the BCP/PA6 porous scaffold was cultured with rat calvarial osteoblasts to investigate the cell proliferation, viability, and differentiation function (alkaline phosphatase). The type I collagen expression was also used to characterize the differentiation of rat calvarial osteoblasts on BCP/PA6 composite scaffold by immunocytochemistry. The in vitro cytocompatibility evaluation demonstrated that the BCP/PA6 scaffold acted as a good template for the cells adhesion, spreading, growth, and differentiation. These results suggest that the BCP/PA6 porous composite could be a candidate as an excellent substitute for damaged or defect bone. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Evaluation of the coagulation properties of arginine‐chitosan/DNA nanoparticles
Authors: Song Liping , Zhu Dunwan , Liu Lanxia , Dong Xia , Zhang Hailing , Leng Xigang
Published: September 2010

Arginine‐chitosan conjugate (Arg‐CS) was demonstrated to mediate significantly elevated expression of the transgenes in comparison to chitosan (CS). However, little is known about the hemocompatibility of Arg‐CS/DNA nanoparticles (ACGN). This study evaluated the coagulation properties of the ACGN and CS/gene nanoparticles (CGN) by looking at the impact of the nanoparticles on the activated partial thrombin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), and hemolysis ratio (HR). It demonstrated that both ACGN and CGN, at the concentration containing 50 μg/mL of DNA, led to moderate increases of APTT but no obvious change in PT and TT in vitro. Intravenous injection of CGN or ACGN (125 μg of DNA content/100 g of body weight) into rat did not result in any significant changes in PT but moderately increased APTT and TT. ACGN was demonstrated to be a slightly stronger inhibitor of blood coagulation as compared to CGN. No obvious hemolysis was induced by the nanoparticles. Taken together, the results in the present study indicated that introduction of arginine moieties into chitosan enhanced its anticoagulant property, which would be beneficial for applications in direct contact with blood. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Osteoinduction of porous titanium: A comparative study between acid‐alkali and chemical‐thermal treatments
Authors: Zhao Chaoyong , Zhu Xiangdong , Liang Kailu , Ding Jietao , Xiang Zhou , Fan Hongsong , Zhang Xingdong
Published: September 2010

In this study, a slurry foaming method was developed to fabricate porous titanium, and two different surface treatments were applied to investigate their effects on the osteoinduction of the implants. Three types of implants, that was porous titanium with no treatment, with chemical‐thermal treatment (CTPT), and with acid‐alkali treatment (AAPT), were implanted in the dorsal muscles of adult dogs for 3 and 5 months. After implantation for 3 months, new bone was only found in the inner pores of AAPT by histological analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy observation. After implantation for 5 months, new bone was also found in CTPT, but it was absent in AAPT. This study not only confirmed that porous titanium with appropriate surface treatments could possess osteoinduction but also showed that its osteoinductive potential was tightly related to the surface treatment. As a simpler method, acid‐alkali treatment could endow porous titanium with faster osteoinduction, and AAPT might have potential in clinical application. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Gentamicin‐loaded strontium‐containing hydroxyapatite bioactive bone cement—An efficient bioactive antibiotic drug delivery system
Authors: Liu W. C. , Wong C. T. , Fong M.K. , Cheung W. S. , Kao R. Y. T. , Luk K. D. K. , Lu W. W.
Published: September 2010

Modified strontium‐containing hydroxyapatite (Sr‐HA) bone cement was loaded with gentamicin sulfate to generate an efficient bioactive antibiotic drug delivery system for treatment of bone defects. Gentamicin release and its antibacterial property were determined by fluorometric method and inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) growth. Gentamicin was released from Sr‐HA bone cement during the entire period of study and reached around 38% (w/w) cumulatively after 30 days. Antibacterial activity of the gentamicin loaded in the cements is clearly confirmed by the growth inhibition of S. aureus. The results of the amount and duration of gentamicin release suggest a better drug delivery efficiency in Sr‐HA bone cement over polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. Bioactivity of the gentamicin‐loaded Sr‐HA bone cement was confirmed with the formation of apatite layer with 1.836 ± 0.037 μm thick on day 1 and 5.177 ± 1.355 μm thick on day 7 after immersion in simulated body fluid. Compressive strengths of the gentamicin‐loaded Sr‐HA cement reached 132.60 ± 10.08 MPa, with a slight decrease from the unloaded groups by 4–9%. Bending moduli of Sr‐HA cements with and without gentamicin were 1.782 ± 0.072 GPa and 1.681 ± 0.208 GPa, respectively. On the contrary, unloaded Sr‐HA cement obtained slightly larger bending strength of 35.48 ± 2.63 MPa comparing with 33.00 ± 1.65 MPa for loaded cement. No statistical difference was found on the bending strengths and modulus of gentamicin‐loaded and ‐unloaded Sr‐HA cements. Sr‐HA bone cement loaded with gentamicin was proven to be an efficient drug delivery system with uncompromised mechanical properties and bioactivity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Sintering, microstructure, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of HAp‐ZnO biocomposites
Authors: Saha Naresh , Keskinbora Kahraman , Suvaci Ender , Basu Bikramjit
Published: September 2010

The implant associated infection is widely considered as a major concern in the field of biomedical applications and this has been the driving force for developing HAp‐based biomaterials with antibacterial additives for possible use in prosthetic devices. In our present work, we sintered Hydroxyapatite (HAp) with different concentrations of zinc oxide microrods (ZnO) at 1250°C to produce HAp‐ZnO biocomposites. In vitro antimicrobial studies were carried out to understand how ZnO addition (up to 30 wt %) to HAp leads to the improvement in bacteria static/bactericidal property and thereby, can reduce bacterial infection on implant surface. Both Gram positive (S. aureus, S. epidermidis) and Gram negative bacteria (E. coli) were used for this study. After 4 h of incubation, it was observed that microbial activity on HAp‐20 wt % and HAp‐30 wt % ZnO are significantly reduced in comparison to control sample, independent of type of bacterial cells. Despite such improvement in antimicrobial property, an increase in ZnO addition was found to have modest influence on fracture toughness or hardness properties. A maximum up to 1.7 MPam1/2 indentation fracture toughness and hardness of up to 6.8 GPa were measured in HAp‐ZnO biocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
In vitro physiochemical properties of a biomimetic gelatin/chitosan oligosaccharide/calcium silicate cement
Authors: Chen Chun‐Cheng , Wang Wei‐Chung , Ding Shinn‐Jyh
Published: September 2010

Calcium silicate cement (CSC) has favorable biocompatible properties that may support its clinical use as bone defect repair. A hybrid cement was developed consisting of a chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) solution in a liquid phase and gelatin (GLT)‐containing calcium silicate powder in a solid phase. The combination of GLT and COS was chosen due to the benefits achieved from several synergistic effects and for their clinical applications. In this study, the in vitro physicochemical properties of CSC‐GLT‐COS hybrid cement were investigated. The results indicated that all cement specimens formed apatite spherulites in simulated body fluid (SBF) for as little as 1 h. After immersion in a Tris‐HCl solution, a pore structure appeared on all specimen surfaces without any precipitation. The presence of GLT did not adversely affect the physiochemical properties of CSC, even after 30 days of immersion. In contrast, COS could promote the degradation of CSC, as evidenced in the results of mechanical strength, weight loss, and ion concentration. The in vitro physiochemical properties of the hybrid cement makes it an attractive choice for dental and orthopedic applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Intraoral defect coverage with prelaminated epigastric fat flaps with human amniotic membrane in rats
Authors: Mücke Thomas , Loeffelbein Denys J. , Hölzle Frank , Slotta‐Huspenina Julia , Borgmann Anna , Kanatas Anastasios N. , Mitchell David A. , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Wolff Klaus‐Dietrich , Kesting Marco R.
Published: September 2010

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not wound healing after the use of microvascular anastomosed fat flaps prelaminated with human amniotic membrane, for intraoral defect coverage, is improved when compared wth wound healing of pure fat flaps. Methods: Microsurgical transplantation of the superficial epigastric fat flap prelaminated with HAM was evaluated using 47 Sprague‐Dawley rats. Standardized oral mucosa defects were created and covered by HAM or polyglactin910/polydioxanon patches only, prelaminated and bare flaps, uncovered or by HAM after flap insertion. After 7, 15, and 35 days, postoperatively, the flaps were reassessed. Results: The mean value of the defect size after 7 days was 47.73 ± 2.63 mm2 in the control, 48.63 ± 2.23 mm2 in the bare flaps covered by HAM after insertion, and 36.85 ± 2.79 mm2 in the prelaminated HAM group. The mean value of the wound closure time in all rats was 13.74 ± 2.05 days (range 11–18). Intraoral defects were covered with mucosa after 15.67 ± 1.66 days in the pure flap group and 11.89 ± 0.78 days in the HAM group (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Prelaminated flaps with HAM used in the repair of large mucosa defects complete epithelialization from the surrounding margins faster than bare flaps. Wound healing can be enhanced by using HAM as a prelaminated epithelial structure within microvascular anastomosed flaps. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Structural changes in BK7 glass upon exposure to femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Little Douglas J. , Ams Martin , Gross Simon , Dekker Peter , Miese Christopher T. , Fuerbach Alex , Withford Michael J.
Published: September 2010

A general picture of refractive index change mechanisms in glass modified by a femtosecond laser has proven elusive. In this paper, Raman microscopy was used in conjunction with refractive near‐field profilometry to analyse the structure of borosilicate glass (Schott BK7) modified by a femtosecond laser and determine the mechanism of the observed refractive index change. For a pulse repetition rate of 1 kHz, it was determined that the refractive index change was due to an elevated population of non‐bridging oxygen atoms, resulting in more ionic bonds forming within the glass network and increasing the molar refractivity of the glass. For a pulse repetition rate of 5.1 MHz, the dominant mechanism of refractive index change was densification and rarefaction of the glass network. Different refractive index change mechanisms were attributed to different thermal conditions imparted to the glass under different pulse repetition rates. Implications for device fabrication are also discussed. These findings constitute an important step toward a complete overview of femtosecond‐laser‐induced refractive index change in glass. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy modeled with a delta probe pulse: application to rhodamine 6G
Authors: Qiu Xueqiong , Li Xiuting , Niu Kai , Lee Soo‐Y.
Published: September 2010

Femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) typically uses a picosecond Raman pump and a ∼10 fs probe pulse. Such an ultrashort probe pulse is akin to a delta function (supercontinuum) pulse and the expressions for the third‐order polarization simplifies with a reduction in the four‐time correlation function to a three‐time correlation function. Assuming multimode harmonic potentials for the ground and excited states of the molecule, we obtain analytic expressions for the three‐time correlation functions which facilitate the computation of the third‐order polarizations for resonance Raman scattering, hot luminescence, and inverse Raman scattering terms, which contribute to the FSRS spectra from the ground vibrational state. The effects of Raman pump pulse temporal width, the vibrational dephasing time, the homogeneous damping constant, and the inhomogeneous damping constant on the Raman Stokes spectrum are also more readily studied. The resonance FSRS spectra of rhodamine 6G from the ground vibrational state with various resonance excitation wavelengths were calculated using a delta probe and shown to account well for the recent experimental results of Frontiera et al., J. Chem. Phys. 2008; 129: 064507 for both the Stokes and anti‐Stokes bands, as well as of Shim et al., ChemPhysChem. 2008; 9: 697. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glass‐embedded silver nanoparticle patterns by masked ion‐exchange process for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Chen Ya , Jaakola Janne J. , Säynätjoki Antti , Tervonen Ari , Honkanen Seppo
Published: September 2010

Glass‐embedded silver nanoparticle patterns were fabricated by masked silver–sodium ion‐exchange process followed by etching to reveal the particles for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The intensity of the enhanced Raman signal is comparable to that of the fluorescence, and the detection limit of 1 nM for Rhodamine 6G has been achieved. Raman images at different etching depths and corresponding morphological images are compared to find optimal SERS signal. Our results demonstrate that silver nanoparticle patterns embedded in glass can be used as SERS‐active substrates. Nanoparticles can be formed in a glass of high optical quality and have potential to be integrated with optical waveguides for a sensor chip. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nucleation and formation of oxide film with the magnetic field on dry sliding contact of ferromagnetic steel
Authors: Amirat Mohamed , Zaidi Hamid , Senouci Abdelhak
Published: September 2010

The nucleation and formation of oxide film in unidirectional dry sliding contact has been studied in a vacuum chamber with and without the application of a magnetic field in the intention of identifying the role of magnetic intensity on the oxidation wear. The wear tests of the steel AISI 1045/steel AISI 1045 couple are investigated on a pin‐disc configuration under three various gas environments: in ambient air, under oxygen at 105 Pa and in vacuum at 5.10−5 Pa. The formation of oxide layer strongly depends on oxygen partial pressure and magnetic field intensity.

These took the form of protective raised ‘islands’ of compacted debris which is developed gradually but rapidly increased as the oxygen partial pressure is increased and which could persist for extended periods during subsequent evacuation. Evidence from various experimental techniques indicates that the compacted debris is a mixture of iron oxides in the form of oxide‐covered particles, although the depth of oxide film has not yet been fully elucidated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A First Approach to White Organic Electroluminescence Device from a Single Rod‐Coil Poly[thiophene‐block‐(N‐vinylcarbazole)] Diblock Copolymer
Authors: Heo Mihee , Kim Jonggi , Kim Jin Young , Yang Changduk
Published: September 2010

A rod‐coil block copolymer consisting of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) (P3HT‐b‐PVK) in a single molecular architecture is prepared as the first example for WOLEDs. By obtaining the phase separated domains in thin film of the resulting block copolymer, it is possible to suppress energy transfer from PVK as wide bandgap units to P3HT as low bandgap blocks, yielding dual emissions for white electroluminescence with CIE coordination of (0.34, 0.33).

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Diagnostic accuracy of the magnetic resonance Parkinsonism index and the midbrain‐to‐pontine area ratio to differentiate progressive supranuclear palsy from Parkinson's disease and the Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Hussl Anna , Mahlknecht Philipp , Scherfler Christoph , Esterhammer Regina , Schocke Michael , Poewe Werner , Seppi Klaus
Published: September 2010

Using magnetic resonance (MR) planimetry, both the midbrain‐to‐pontine area ratio (m/p‐ratio) and the MR parkinsonism index (MRPI) have been shown to assist in the differential diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from Parkinson's disease (PD) and the Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA‐P). The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the MRPI compared with the m/p‐ratio in a large cohort of 123 patients with neurodegenerative parkinsonism including patients with PSP, PD, and MSA‐P. Patients with PSP had significant higher MRPI values and significant smaller m/p‐ratios compared with the other groups with overlapping individual values. Overall predictive accuracy was similar for the m/p‐ratio (87.0%) and the MRPI (80.5%) with a predictive accuracy for PSP from MSA‐P being significantly better for the MRPI (87.5%) compared with the m/p‐ratio (75%) as well as a predictive accuracy for PSP from PD being significantly better for the m/p‐ratio (87.6%) compared with the MRPI (77.3%). Both the m/p‐ratio and the MRPI may assist the clinical differential diagnosis in neurodegenerative parkinsonism. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
A recommended scale for cognitive screening in clinical trials of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chou Kelvin L. , Amick Melissa M. , Brandt Jason , Camicioli Richard , Frei Karen , Gitelman Darren , Goldman Jennifer , Growdon John , Hurtig Howard I. , Levin Bonnie , Litvan Irene , Marsh Laura , Simuni Tanya , Tröster Alexander I. , Uc Ergun Y. ,   on behalf of the Parkinson Study Group Cognitive/Psychiatric Working Group
Published: September 2010

Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). There is a critical need for a brief, standard cognitive screening measure for use in PD trials whose primary focus is not on cognition. The Parkinson Study Group (PSG) Cognitive/Psychiatric Working Group formed a Task Force to make recommendations for a cognitive scale that could screen for dementia and mild cognitive impairment in clinical trials of PD where cognition is not the primary outcome. This Task Force conducted a systematic literature search for cognitive assessments previously used in a PD population. Scales were then evaluated for their appropriateness to screen for cognitive deficits in clinical trials, including brief administration time (<15 minutes), assessment of the major cognitive domains, and potential to detect subtle cognitive impairment in PD. Five scales of global cognition met the predetermined screening criteria and were considered for review. Based on the Task Force's evaluation criteria the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), appeared to be the most suitable measure. This Task Force recommends consideration of the MoCA as a minimum cognitive screening measure in clinical trials of PD where cognitive performance is not the primary outcome measure. The MoCA still requires further study of its diagnostic utility in PD populations but appears to be the most appropriate measure among the currently available brief cognitive assessments. Widespread adoption of a single instrument such as the MoCA in clinical trials can improve comparability between research studies on PD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Regeneration and repair of peripheral nerves with different biomaterials: Review
Authors: Siemionow Maria , Bozkurt Mehmet , Zor Fatih
Published: September 2010

Peripheral nerve injury may cause gaps between the nerve stumps. Axonal proliferation in nerve conduits is limited to 10–15 mm. Most of the supportive research has been done on rat or mouse models which are different from humans. Herein we review autografts and biomaterials which are commonly used for nerve gap repair and their respective outcomes. Nerve autografting has been the first choice for repairing peripheral nerve gaps. However, it has been demonstrated experimentally that tissue engineered tubes can also permit lead to effective nerve repair over gaps longer than 4 cm repair that was previously thought to be restorable by means of nerve graft only. All of the discoveries in the nerve armamentarium are making their way into the clinic, where they are, showing great potential for improving both the extent and rate of functional recovery compared with alternative nerve guides. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Mitochondrial redox potential during contraction in single intact muscle fibers
Authors: Michaelson Luke P. , Shi Guoli , Ward Chris W. , Rodney George G.
Published: September 2010

Although the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during muscle contractile activity has been linked to both positive and negative adaptive responses, the sites for ROS generation within working muscle are not clearly defined. We assessed cytosolic ROS production and mitochondrial redox potential with a targeted redox‐sensitive green fluorescent protein during repetitive field stimulation of single mature myofibers. Cytosolic ROS production increased by 94%, an effect that was abolished by pretreatment with the reducing agent dithiothreitol. Mitochondrial redox potential was not altered during muscle contraction. In contrast, activity‐dependent ROS production was ablated by an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. We provide the first report on dynamic ROS production from mitochondria in single living myofibers and suggest that the mitochondria are not the major source of ROS during skeletal muscle contraction. Alternatively, our data support a role for NADPH oxidase–derived ROS during contractile activity. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Coexistence of two chronic neuropathies in a young child: Charcot–marie–tooth disease type 1A and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Marques Wilson , Funayama Carolina A. R. , Secchin Juliana B. , Lourenço Charles M. , Gouvêa Silmara P. , Marques Vanessa D. , Bastos Patricia G. , Barreira Amilton A.
Published: September 2010

We report an 18‐month‐old Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) patient who developed a rapid‐onset neuropathy, with proximal and distal weakness, and non‐uniform nerve conduction studies. The neuropathy responded well to immunomodulation, confirming the coexistence of an inherited and an inflammatory neuropathy. Unexpected clinical and/or electrophysiological manifestations in CMT1A patients should alert clinicians to concomitant inflammatory neuropathy. In addition, this association raises reflections about disease mechanism in CMT1A. Muscle Nerve, 2010
A coupled two‐scale computational scheme for the failure of periodic quasi‐brittle thin planar shells and its application to masonry
Authors: Mercatoris B. C. N. , Massart T. J.
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a multi‐scale framework for the failure of periodic quasi‐brittle thin planar shells. The failure behavior of textured or periodic heterogeneous materials is strongly influenced by their mesostructure. Their periodicity and the quasi‐brittle nature of their constituents result in complex behaviors such as damage‐induced anisotropy properties with localization of damage, which are difficult to model by means of macroscopic closed‐form constitutive laws. A computational homogenization procedure is used for the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane behavior of such planar shells, and is combined with an acoustic tensor‐based failure detection adapted to shell kinematics to detect the structural‐scale failure. Based on an assumption of single period failure, the localization of damage at the structural scale is represented by means of mesostructurally informed embedded strong discontinuities incorporated in the macroscopic shell description. A new enhanced scale transition is outlined for shell failure, based on an approximate energy consistency argument to objectively upscale the energy dissipation. The corresponding multi‐scale framework results are compared with direct fine‐scale modeling results used as a reference for the case of masonry, showing good agreement in terms of the load‐bearing capacity, of failure mechanisms and of associated energy dissipation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.