bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Macrophage Subpopulations Characterize Acute Infection and Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease
Authors: Duan Mubing , Li Waichu C. , Vlahos Ross , Maxwell Mhairi J. , Anderson Gary P. , Hibbs Margaret L.
Published: June 2012

Although great progress has been made in delineating lung dendritic cell and lymphocyte subpopulations, similar advances in lung macrophages (MΦs) have been hampered by their intrinsic autofluorescence, cell plasticity, and the complexities of monocyte–MΦ compartmentalization. Using spectral scanning, we define alveolar MΦ autofluorescence characteristics, which has allowed us to develop an alternative flow cytometry method. Using this methodology, we show that mouse lung MΦs form distinct subpopulations during acute inflammation after challenge with LPS or influenza virus, and in chronic inflammatory lung disease consequent to SHIP-1 deletion. These subpopulations are distinguished by differential Mac-1 and CD11c integrin expression rather than classical M1 or M2 markers, and display differential gene signatures ex vivo. Whereas the resolution of acute inflammation is characterized by restoration to a homogenous population of CD11chighMac-1neg/low MΦs reflective of lung homeostasis, chronic inflammatory lung disease associated with SHIP-1 deficiency is accompanied by an additional subpopulation of CD11chighMac-1pos MΦs that tracks with lung disease in susceptible genetic background SHIP-1−/− animals and disease induction in chimeric mice. These findings may help better understand the roles of MΦ subpopulations in lung homeostasis and disease.
Unexpectedly Durable Palliation of Metastatic Olfactory Neuroblastoma Using Anti-Angiogenic Therapy with Bevacizumab
Authors: Dunbar Erin M. , Pumphrey Phyllis K. , Bidari Sharat
Published: June 2012

Olfactory neuroblastomas (ONBs) are rare malignant tumors that arise from olfactory epithelium and typically present with symptoms attributable to locally invasive disease. Kadish radiographic staging and Hyams’ histopathologic grading are prognostic. Overall survival rates, averaging 60–70% at 5 years, remain limited by high rates of delayed loco-regional and distant progression. At initial presentation, the available evidence supports the use of multimodality therapy, historically surgery and radiation, to improve disease-free and overall survival. At recurrence/progression, the available evidence supports the use of therapy to improve disease control and symptoms (palliation), but patient heterogeneity dictates individualization of modalities. Although the ideal use of chemotherapy as a modality remains undefined, the available evidence supports it use, historically platinum-based, for palliation. However, recent insights into the molecular-genetic aberrations of ONBs, coupled with the emergence chemotherapeutic agents capable of targeting such aberrations, suggest an expanded role. The authors report a case of a 60 years-old man, heavily pre-treated for metastatic ONB, presenting with profound central-nerve-system and head-and-neck symptoms. He experienced unexpectedly durable palliation with Bevacizumab anti-angiogenic therapy. Additionally, he experienced localized palliation with an Ommaya reservoir. The authors review the literature regarding historical and emerging therapies for ONB to emphasize the needs for individualization and translational-clinical studies.
On the origin of subvisible cirrus clouds in the tropical upper troposphere
Authors: Reverdy M. , Noel V. , Chepfer H. , Legras B.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Spaceborne lidar observations have recently revealed a previously undetected significant population of SubVisible Cirrus (SVC). We show them to be colder than −74 °C, with an optical depth below 0.0015 on average. The formation and persistence over time of this new cloud population could be related to several atmospheric phenomena. In this paper, we investigate the importance of external processes in the creation of this cloud population, vs. the traditional ice cloud formation theory through convection. The importance of three scenarios in the formation of the global SVC population is investigated through different approaches that include comparisons with data imaging from several spaceborne instruments and back-trajectories that document the history and behavior of air masses leading to a point in time and space where subvisible cirrus were detected. In order simplify the study of cloud formation processes, we singled out SVC with coherent temperature histories (mean variance lower than 4 K) according to back-trajectories along 5, 10 or 15 days (respectively 58, 25 and 11% of SVC). Our results suggest that external processes, including local increases in liquid and hygroscopic aerosol concentration (either through biomass burning or volcanic injection forming sulfate-based aerosols in the troposphere or the stratosphere) have no noticeable short-term or mid-term impact on the SVC population. On the other hand, we find that ~60% of air masses interacted with convective activity in the days before they led to cloud formation and detection, which correspond to 37 to 65% of SVC. These results put forward the important influence of classical cloud formation processes compared to external influences in forming SVC. They support the view that the SVC population observed by CALIOP is an extension of the general upper tropospheric ice clouds population with its extreme thinness as its only differentiating factor.
Combined wind measurements by two different lidar instruments in the Arctic middle atmosphere
Authors: Hildebrand J. , Baumgarten G. , Fiedler J. , Hoppe U.-P. , Kaifler B. , Lübken F.-J. , Williams B. P.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. During a joint campaign in January 2009 the Rayleigh/Mie/Raman (RMR) lidar and the sodium lidar at the ALOMAR Observatory (69° N, 16° E) in Northern Norway were operated simultaneously for more than 40 h, collecting data for wind measurements in the middle atmosphere from 30 up to 110 km altitude. At the upper (lower) altitude range where the RMR (sodium) lidar can operate, both lidars probe the same sounding volume, allowing to compare the derived wind speeds. We present the first simultaneous common volume wind measurements in the middle atmosphere using two different lidar instruments. The comparison of winds derived by RMR and sodium lidar is excellent for long integration times of 10 h as well as shorter ones of 1 h. Combination of data from both lidars allows identifying wavy structures between 30 and 110 km altitude, whose amplitudes increase with height. We have also performed lidar measurements of the same wind component using two independent branches of the RMR lidar and found a good agreement of the results but also identified inhomogeneities in the horizontal wind at about 55 km altitude of up to 20 ms−1. Such small scale inhomogeneities in the horizontal wind field are an essential challenge when comparing data from different instruments.
In-home Telerehabilitation for Older Persons with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tousignant Michel , Marquis Nicole , Pagé Catherine , Imukuze Ninette , Métivier Annie , St-Onge Valérie , Tremblay Annie
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the efficacy of in-home telerehabilitation for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Three community-living elders with COPD were recruited in a rehabilitation outpatient group and by direct referrals from pneumologists with outpatients who have COPD. A pre/post-test design without a control group was used for this pilot study. Telerehabilitation sessions (15 sessions) were conducted by two trained physio­therapists from a service center to the patient’s home. Locomotor function (walking performance) and quality of life were measured in person prior to and at the end of the treatment by an independent assessor. Clinical outcomes improved for all subjects except for locomotor function in the first participant. In-home telerehabilitation for people with COPD is a realistic alternative to dispense rehabilitation services for patients requiring physical therapy follow-up.
Editor's Note
Authors: Cohn Ellen R. , Cason Jana
Published: June 2012

The current issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) contains original research evaluating the efficacy of telerehabilitation; an evaluation of a telerehabilitation system for community based research; and work that examines users’ perceptions of the privacy and security of the three top used consumer-based, free Voice and video over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) software systems (e.g., Skype  and others) used by health care providers to deliver therapeutic services via telerehabilitation. Two Brief Communications authored by speech-language pathologists present the possibilities for significant telehealth related cost-savings when telepractice is implemented in clinical practice.  Finally, this issue presents a report generated by a working group within the American Telemedicine Association’s Telerehabilitation Special Interest Group, and announcements from the American Telemedicine Association and the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC).
Making the Case for Uniformity in Professional State Licensure Requirements
Authors: Brannon Janice A. , Cohn Ellen R. , Cason Jana
Published: June 2012

Telehealth, the use of communication and information technologies to deliver health services, was initially envisioned as a way for persons in rural or remote settings to receive otherwise unavailable healthcare services. Now, in addition to overcoming personnel shortages for underserved populations, telehealth shows promise in meeting the needs of a constantly mobile U.S. society and workforce.  Fortunately, telerehabilitation can meet the needs of a mobile society and workforce by enabling continuity of care for individuals who are out-of-town, on vacation, in temporary residence as a university student, or on business travel. Unfortunately, outdated legislative and regulatory policies and inhospitable infrastructures currently stand in the way of a seamless continuum of care.In 2010, the American Telemedicine Association’s Telerehabilitation Special Interest Group (TR SIG) convened a License Portability Sub-Committee to explore ways to diminish barriers for state licensure portability with a particular focus on physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology.  In 2011, the Subcommittee published a factsheet that detailed the challenges and potential solutions that surround the difficult issue of licensure portability.  Concurrently, the American Telemedicine Association is advocating for national reform of professional licensure.At the heart of all licensure requirements is the ability to determine who should be granted the authority to practice in a particular profession.  This is done by focusing on educational, examination and behavioral requirements that are deemed the minimum necessary to protect the public from harm.  States, however, with whom authority for licensure of health professionals rests, have independently determined those minimum requirements.  This approach has led to a myriad of requirements that vary from state to state. Licensure portability will best succeed when variability between licensure requirements is minimized and an efficient licensure process exists.    In this paper, these two critical factors for licensure portability are referred to as “licensure requirements” and “the credentialing process.”  Currently the variability between both of these factors is different between professions as well as between jurisdictions.   To find the best solution to licensure portability, it is critical to determine which of these two elements create significant barriers for licensure mobility. This document outlines a method for the professions to begin collecting data to pinpoint the areas where agreement and variations exist in licensure requirements and processes between states.  Such information will inform efforts towards uniformity.
Use of Hybrid Vascular Grafts in Failing Access for Hemodialysis: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Afaneh Cheguevara , Aronova Anna , Ross John R. , Leeser David B.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Vascular access morbidity represents one of the most common indications for readmission in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We report the use of hybrid grafts in two patients for revision of failed vascular access for hemodialysis (HD).

Case Presentations

The first patient was a 45-year-old woman with ESRD who presented with an arteriovenous graft (AVG) that had required multiple interventions for maintenance in whom much of the graft was lined with covered stents. The patient presented with erosion of a stent in the AVG through the skin to the emergency department. The second patient was a 41-year-old man with ESRD who also had an AVG that had required multiple interventions for maintenance. He presented to clinic with chronic bleeding from the AVG after HD sessions. Both patients were taken to the operating room for salvage of part of the AVG through the use of hybrid vascular access grafts. The patients have passed six and three months from the procedure, respectively, without needing additional interventions.

Conclusions

This technique demonstrates successful use of hybrid vascular access grafts, specifically inside existing grafts in locations that contain stents utilizing the existing venous resources in that arm to carry out the surgical repair, thereby preserving venous capital.
Natural Cellulosic Polymers as Potential Reinforcement in Composites: Physicochemical and Mechanical Studies
Authors: Thakur V. K. , Singha A. S. , Thakur M. K.
Published: June 2012

Renewable cellulosic biofibers appear to be a promising substitute to synthetic fibers as reinforcement in different kinds of polymers. The prime objective of this work was to determine water absorption, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties of the green composites reinforced with ecofriendly natural cellulosic Saccharum cilliare fibers. The mechanical and physicochemical properties of the green composites have been investigated as a function of fiber loading for assessing their applicability in different potential applications in everyday life. The green composites thus prepared have been found to show a universal trend of an increase in properties with fiber loading up to 30%, and beyond this the properties decrease. A fiber/matrix interaction between the polymer and reinforcement has been analyzed based on the mechanical and morphological studies. Overall results suggest that the natural cellulosic S. cilliare fibers were capable of serving as a feasible reinforcement for green polymer composites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E427–E435, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21290
Synthesis of amino acid‐based polymers having metronidazole moiety and study of their controlled release in vitro
Authors: El‐Newehy Mohamed H. , Elsherbiny Abeer S. , Mori Hideharu
Published: June 2012

A new polymeric drug carrier system using amino acid‐based polymers was developed. Amino acid‐based polymers with controlled molar mass and narrow molecular weight distribution have been synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of four amino acid‐carrying monomers having different chirality and hydrophilicity. Metronidazole (MTZ) was immobilized onto the amino acid‐based polymers, and the release profiles of the polymer‐MTZ adducts were investigated in phosphate buffer solutions (pH = 2.0, 7.4, and 8.5). The model drug was released by the hydrolysis of the ester group, and the release rate and behavior of the polymeric prodrugs strongly depended on the configuration of the amino acid‐based polymers‐MTZ adducts and the pH of the release media. The release kinetics was determined using the Higuchi and Korsmeyer equations, which revealed the release mechanism of the polymeric prodrugs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Models in researching cardiovascular morphogenesis
Authors: Weninger Wolfgang J. , Geyer Stefan H.
Published: June 2012

Several types of “models” are used in modern biological and biomedical research and teaching. This article attempts to provide a brief explanation of the termini model organism, theoretic and mathematic model, three‐dimensional (3D) model, and 4D model, and an overview about the generation and the fields of applications of these types of models. It will then focus on the application of theoretic and mathematic models, 3D models, 4D models, and simulation for researching cardiovascular morphogenesis. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 96:163–175, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiosulfa Induces Heart Deformation in Zebrafish through the AhR‐Mediated, CYP1A‐Independent Pathway
Authors: Ko Sung‐Kyun , Shin Injae
Published: June 2012

Heart development is a complicated and elaborate biological process. To study this and similar complicated process and diseases, the discovery and use of small molecules for probing biological events is invaluable. As part of such an investigation, we have identified cardiosulfa, a small molecule that induces severely impaired heart morphology and function in zebrafish. The results of the present study show that cardiosulfa‐promoted heart deformation is protected by negative regulators of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway, such as the AhR antagonist CH‐223191 and an AhR2‐morpholino antisense oligonucleotide, zfahr2‐MO. However, the toxic effect of cardiosulfa is not alleviated by zfcyp1a‐MO, a morpholino antisense oligo for cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A), which is the most well‐characterized gene of the AhR pathway. Similar results were obtained for the known AhR agonist PCB126. These observations suggest that cardiosulfa causes heart deformation in zebrafish through the AhR‐mediated, CYP1A‐independent pathway. Our results indicate that cardiosulfa has potential as a novel type of a biological probe to investigate the AhR pathway.
Profiling divergences in GPU applications
Authors: Coutinho Bruno , Sampaio Diogo , Pereira Fernando M. Q. , Meira Wagner
Published: June 2012

The increasing programmability and the high computational power of graphics processing units make them attractive to general purpose programming. However, taking full benefit of this execution environment is a challenging task. One of these challenges stems from divergences, a phenomenon that occurs when threads that execute in lock‐step are forced to take different program paths because of branches in the code. In face of divergences, some threads will have to wait, idly, while their diverging siblings execute. Optimizing the code to avoid divergences is difficult because this task demands a deep understanding of programs that might be large and convoluted. To facilitate the detection of divergences, this paper introduces the divergence map, a data structure that indicates the location and the volume of divergences in a program. We build this map via dynamic profiling techniques, which we have implemented on top of an open source Parallel Thread Execution compiler. To illustrate the importance of the divergence map, we have used it to pinpoint the core regions that must be optimized in well‐known public applications. By hand optimizing some applications, we have added 9–11% speedups onto kernels that have already gone through the sieve of many programmers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Set‐shifting among adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kathleen Kara , Darcy Alison , Colborn Danielle , Gudorf Caroline , Lock James
Published: June 2012

Objective:

Set‐shifting difficulties are documented for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, AN typically onsets in adolescents and it is unclear if set‐shifting difficulties are a result of chronic AN or present earlier in its course. This study examined whether adolescents with short duration AN demonstrated set‐shifting difficulties compared to healthy controls (HC).

Method:

Data on set‐shifting collected from the Delis‐Kaplan executive functioning system and Wisconsin card sort task (WCST) as well as eating psychopathology were collected from 32 adolescent inpatients with AN and compared with those from 22 HCs.

Results:

There were no differences in set‐shifting in adolescents with AN compared to HCs on most measures.

Discussion:

The findings suggest that set‐shifting difficulties in AN may be a consequence of AN. Future studies should explore set‐shifting difficulties in a larger sample of adolescents with the AN to determine if there is sub‐set of adolescents with these difficulties and determine any relationship of set‐shifting to the development of a chronic from of AN. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012;45:909–912)
Total Syntheses of the Gregatins A–D and Aspertetronin A: Structure Revisions of These Compounds and of Aspertetronin B, Together with Plausible Structure Revisions of Gregatin E, Cyclogregatin, Graminin A, the Penicilliols A and B, and the Huaspenones A and B
Authors: Burghart‐Stoll Heike , Brückner Reinhard
Published: June 2012

Comprehensive comparisons of 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift values in the furanone cores a, b, and c provide plausible support for a reassessment of the furanone nuclei of the title compounds from b to c. Total syntheses via enantiomerically pure lactic esters were based on the Seebach–Fráter “self‐reproduction of stereocenters” methodology. Attachment of the hexadienyl side‐chain in a trans,trans‐selective manner was achieved by addition of the Seebach–Fráter enolate to trans‐hex‐4‐en‐1‐al rather than to trans‐hex‐3‐en‐1‐al. The type‐c furanone cores of the synthetic materials were reached by single or double acylation of a model γ‐hydroxy‐β‐oxo ester (compound 50) and its hexadiene‐containing counterpart 29. Our syntheses confirmed the novel connectivities in six compounds. In addition, they required revision of the configuration of a quaternary carbon atom in five cases. Moreover, they allowed elucidation of the configurations of four previously unassigned stereocenters. Hindsight analyses of why the furanone cores of the title compounds had been misinterpreted as a and/or b instead of c are given. Why the stereocenters in the heterocycles had been incorrectly configured, on the bases (a) of relay studies in the 1960s, and (b) of a 1984 total synthesis of gregatin B, is also discussed.
Analytical characterization of wine and its precursors by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Gomez Federico J. V. , Monasterio Romina P. , Vargas Verónica Carolina Soto , Silva María F.
Published: June 2012

The accurate determination of marker chemical species in grape, musts, and wines presents a unique analytical challenge with high impact on diverse areas of knowledge such as health, plant physiology, and economy. Capillary electromigration techniques have emerged as a powerful tool, allowing the separation and identification of highly polar compounds that cannot be easily separated by traditional HPLC methods, providing complementary information and permitting the simultaneous analysis of analytes with different nature in a single run. The main advantage of CE over traditional methods for wine analysis is that in most cases samples require no treatment other than filtration. The purpose of this article is to present a revision on capillary electromigration methods applied to the analysis of wine and its precursors over the last decade. The current state of the art of the topic is evaluated, with special emphasis on the natural compounds that have allowed wine to be considered as a functional food. The most representative revised compounds are phenolic compounds, amino acids, proteins, elemental species, mycotoxins, and organic acids. Finally, a discussion on future trends of the role of capillary electrophoresis in the field of analytical characterization of wines for routine analysis, wine classification, as well as multidisciplinary aspects of the so‐called “from soil to glass” chain is presented.
Food analysis on microchip electrophoresis: An updated review
Authors: Martín Aida , Vilela Diana , Escarpa Alberto
Published: June 2012

From 2008 to date, basically, single‐cross microchip electrophoresis (ME) design has been used for food analysis with electrochemicaland laser‐induced fluorescencedetection being the most commonprinciples coupled. In the last 4 years, the main outlines were: (i) the exploration of new analytes such as heavy metals, nitrite, micotoxins, microorganisms, and allergens; (ii) the development of electrokinetic microfluidic (bio‐) sensors into microchip format for the detection of toxins; and interestingly (iii) although sample preparation is still performed off‐chip, an important increase in works dealing with complicated food samples has been clearly noticed. Although microchip technology based on electrokinetics is emerging from important fields such as authentication of foods, detection of frauds, toxics, and allergens; the marriage between micro‐ and nanotechnologies and total integration approaches has not reached the expected impact in the field but it is still a great promise for the development of ME of new generations for food analysis.
Analysis of major milk whey proteins by immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis coupled with MALDI‐MS
Authors: Gasilova Natalia , Gassner Anne‐Laure , Girault Hubert H.
Published: June 2012

Two major milk whey proteins, β‐lactoglobulin and α‐lactalbumin, are among the main cow milk allergens and can cause allergy even at a very low concentrations. Therefore, these proteins are interesting targets in food analysis, not only for food quality control but also for highlighting the presence of allergens. Herein, a sensitive analysis for β‐lactoglobulin and α‐lactalbumin was developed using immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis hyphenated with MALDI‐MS. Magnetic beads functionalized with appropriate antibodies were used for β‐lactoglobulin and α‐lactalbumin immunocapture inside the capillary. After elution from the beads, analyte focusing and separation were performed by transient isotachophoresis followed by MALDI‐MS analysis performed through an automated iontophoretic fraction collection interface. A LOD in the low nanomolar range was attained for both whey proteins. The method developed was further applied to the analysis of different milk samples including fortified soy milk.
Myelin debris regulates inflammatory responses in an experimental demyelination animal model and multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Clarner Tim , Diederichs Felix , Berger Katharina , Denecke Bernd , Gan Lin , van der Valk Paul , Beyer Cordian , Amor Sandra , Kipp Markus
Published: June 2012

In multiple sclerosis (MS), gray matter pathology is characterized by less pronounced inflammation when compared with white matter lesions. Although regional differences in the cytoarchitecture may account for these differences, the amount of myelin debris in the cortex during a demyelinating event might also be contributory. To analyze the association between myelin debris levels and inflammatory responses, cortical areas with distinct and sparse myelination were analyzed for micro‐ and astrogliosis before and after cuprizone‐induced demyelination in mice. In postmortem tissue of MS patients, leucocortical lesions were assessed for the type and level of inflammation in the cortical and white matter regions of the lesion. Furthermore, mice were injected intracerebrally with myelin‐enriched debris, and the inflammatory response analyzed in white and grey matter areas. Our studies show that the magnitude of myelin loss positively correlates with microgliosis in the cuprizone model. In MS, the number of MHC class II expressing cells is higher in the white compared with the grey matter part of leucocortical lesions. Finally, direct application of myelin debris into the corpus callosum or cortex of mice induces profound and comparable inflammation in both regions. Our data suggest that myelin debris is an important variable in the inflammatory response during demyelinating events. Whether myelin‐driven inflammation affects neuronal integrity remains to be clarified. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ni‐free Zr–Cu–Al–Nb–Pd bulk metallic glasses with different Zr/Cu ratios for biomedical applications
Authors: Huang Lu , Yokoyama Yoshihiko , Wu Wei , Liaw Peter K. , Pang Shujie , Inoue Akihisa , Zhang Tao , He Wei
Published: June 2012

Zr‐based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) possess attractive properties for prospective biomedical applications. The present study designs Ni‐free Zr–Cu–Al–Nb–Pd BMGs and investigates their in vitro biocompatibility by studying mechanical properties, bio‐corrosion resistance, and cellular responses. The Ti–6Al–4V alloy is used as a reference material. It is found that the Zr‐based BMGs exhibit good mechanical properties, including high strengths above 1600 MPa, high hardness over 4700 MPa, and low elastic moduli of 85–90 GPa. The Zr‐based BMGs are corrosion resistant in a simulated body environment, as revealed by wide passive regions, low passive current densities, and high pitting overpotentials. The formation of ZrO2‐rich surface passive films of the Zr‐based BMGs contributes to their high corrosion resistance, whereas their pitting corrosion in the phosphate buffered saline solution can be attributed to the sensitivity of the ZrO2 films to the chloride ion. The general biosafety of the Zr‐based BMGs is revealed by normal cell adhesions and cell morphologies. Moreover, the Zr/Cu content ratio in the alloy composition affects the biocompatibility of the Zr‐based BMGs, by increasing their corrosion resistance and surface wettability with the increase of the Zr/Cu ratio. Effects of Zr/Cu ratios can be used to guide the future design of biocompatible Zr‐based BMGs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1472–1482, 2012.
Effects of ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide on solubility and cytotoxicity of the resin monomer triethylene glycol dimethacrylate
Authors: Nocca Giuseppina , D'Antò Vincenzo , Rivieccio Virginia , Schweikl Helmut , Amato Massimo , Rengo Sandro , Lupi Alessandro , Spagnuolo Gianrico
Published: June 2012

Several in vitro studies have reported contrasting values for triethylene glycol‐dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) concentrations shown to induce cytotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effective concentrations of TEGDMA reached under the routine experimental conditions used in biocompatibility in vitro tests and determines changes in cytotoxicity and the associated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) based on different TEGDMA solutions. TEGDMA was added to cell culture medium either directly or previously dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or ethanol (EtOH), both in the presence and absence of cells. Intracellular and extracellular TEGDMA concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cytotoxicity effects of TEGDMA preparations were determined in 3T3‐fibroblasts by 3‐(4,5 dimethyiazol‐2‐1)‐2‐5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The production of ROS was measured by flow cytometry. In the absence of cells the effective final TEGDMA concentrations obtained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium were significantly lower than the nominal one. When 2 mmol/L TEGDMA was first solubilized in DMSO or EtOH, a significant decrease in cell viability, and an increase in ROS production—compared to pure TEGDMA—was observed. After 2 h of incubation, TEGDMA previously dissolved in DMSO or ETOH was reduced by 15% and 20%, respectively, whereas otherwise it remained unaffected. Our results demonstrate that the effective concentration of TEGDMA dissolved in culture medium (in the presence or absence of solvents) does not concur with the nominal one. Therefore, the presence of the utilized solvents does not substantially alter the monomer solubility but eases its entrance into the cells thus improving its cytotoxic potency. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1500–1506, 2012.
Characterization andin vivoevaluation of laser sintered dental endosseous implants in dogs
Authors: Witek Lukasz , Marin Charles , Granato Rodrigo , Bonfante Estevam A. , Campos Felipe , Bisinotto Julio , Suzuki Marcelo , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: June 2012

Laser metal sintering has shown promising results, but no comparison with other commercially available surface has been performed. This study sought to evaluate the biomechanical and histological early bone response to laser sintered implants relative to alumina‐blasted/acid‐etched (AB/AE). Surface topography was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and optical interferometry. Surface chemistry was assessed by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Beagle dogs (n= 18) received 4 Ti‐6Al‐4V implants (one per surface) in each radius, remaining for 1, 3, and 6 weeks (n= 6 dogs per evaluation time)in vivo. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) were evaluated. Biomechanical evaluation comprised torque‐to‐interface failure. The laser sintered surface presented higherSaandSqthan AB/AE. Chemistry assessment showed the alloy metallic components along with adsorbed carbon species. Significantly higher torque was observed at 1 (p< 0.02) and 6 week (p< 0.02) for the laser sintered, whereas at 3 week no significant differences were observed. Significantly higher BIC and BAFO was observed for the Laser Sintered (p< 0.04, andp< 0.03, respectively) only at 1 week, whereas no significant differences were observed at 3 and 6 weeks. The laser sintered implants presented biocompatible and osseoconductive properties and improved biomechanical response compared with the AB/AE surface only at 1 and 6 weeksin vivo. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1566–1573, 2012.
Bone attenuation on routine chest CT correlates with bone mineral density on DXA in patients with COPD
Authors: Romme Elisabeth APM , Murchison John T , Phang Kee F , Jansen Frits H , Rutten Erica PA , Wouters Emiel FM , Smeenk Frank WJM , Van Beek Edwin JR , MacNee William
Published: June 2012

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although primarily a disease of the lungs, is associated with extrapulmonary effects such as muscle weakness and osteoporosis. Fractures owing to osteoporosis cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with COPD. To prevent osteoporotic fractures, it is important to diagnose osteoporosis in an early stage and to start anti-osteoporotic therapy in at-risk patients. Because routine chest computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used to assess the extent of emphysema and airways disease in patients with COPD, we investigated whether simple attenuation measurement of the thoracic spine on routine chest CT may provide useful information on bone health in patients with COPD. Fifty-eight patients with moderate to very severe COPD were included in our study. The average attenuation of thoracic vertebrae 4, 7, and 10 on chest CT was correlated with the lowest bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip and lumbar spine (L1 to L4) on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in patients with COPD. The inter- and intra-observer variabilities of the attenuation measurements were low as shown by Bland-Altman plots. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the average attenuation of the three thoracic vertebrae and the lowest BMD of the hip and lumbar spine was high (r = 0.827, p < 0.001). A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the area under the curve for osteoporosis was 0.969 (p < 0.001), corresponding to an attenuation threshold of 147 Hounsfield Units (HU). In conclusion, our data demonstrated that bone attenuation measured on routine chest CT correlated strongly with BMD assessed on DXA in patients with COPD. Routine chest CT may provide useful information on bone health in patients with COPD. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sclerostin and DKK1 in postmenopausal osteoporosis treated with denosumab
Authors: Gatti Davide , Viapiana Ombretta , Fracassi Elena , Idolazzi Luca , Dartizio Carmela , Povino Maria Rosaria , Adami Silvano , Rossini Maurizio
Published: June 2012

The bone mass benefits of antiresorbers in postmenopausal osteoporosis are limited by the rapid coupling of decreasing bone resorption with bone formation. Wnt signaling is involved in this coupling process during treatment with bisphosphonates, whereas its role during treatment with the anti-receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) antibody denosumab is unknown. The study population includes patients participating in a placebo-controlled trial lasting 36 months: 19 women were on placebo and 24 on subcutaneous 60 mg denosumab every 6 months. All measured parameters (serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [sCTX], serum bone alkaline phosphatase [bAP], Dickkopf-1 [DKK1], and sclerostin) remained unchanged during the observation period in the placebo group. sCTX and bAP were significantly suppressed by denosumab treatment over the entire follow-up. Denosumab treatment was associated with significant (p < 0.05) increases (28% to 32%) in serum sclerostin over the entire study follow-up. Serum DKK1 significantly decreased within the first 6 months with a trend for further continuous decreases, which reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) versus placebo group from the 18th month onward. The changes in DKK1 were significantly and positively related with the changes in sCTX and bAP and negatively with hip bone mineral density (BMD) changes. The changes in sclerostin were significantly and negatively related only with those of bAP. The changes in bone turnover markers associated with denosumab treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with significant increase in sclerostin similar to those seen after long-term treatment with bisphosphonates and significant decrease in DKK1. This latter observation might explain the continuous increase over 5 years in BMD observed during treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with denosumab. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Determining the contents of protein and amino acids in peanuts using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Qiang , Liu Hongzhi , Liu Li , Du Yin
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: The protein and amino acid contents of peanuts play a key role in determining their quality and value. Therefore, accurate, nondestructive, quick, and automated measurement of these components would be valuable in a commercial environment. This study explored the feasibility of determining the contents of protein and amino acids in peanuts using near infrared–reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS).

RESULTS: 141 peanut samples were collected from 12 provinces in China. The spectra were scanned and obtained with an NIRS system. The determination coefficient and the ratio of the standard deviation in the validation set to the standard error of validation corresponded to 0.99 and 6.53 for protein, 0.88 and 2.52 for Asp, 0.83 and 3.00 for Thr, 0.86 and 2.40 for Ser, 0.87 and 2.57 for Glu, 0.88 and 2.36 for Gly, 0.88 and 3.00 for Leu, 0.89 and 2.88 for Arg, and 0.96 and 7.50 for Cys.

CONCLUSIONS: NIRS combined with multivariate calibration has significant potential in determining the protein and amino acid contents of peanuts. This method is suitable for use in an industrial setting owing to its ease of use as well as the relatively low cost of obtaining and running the necessary equipment. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of toxins in algae and water samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Juanjuan , Yan Tingting , Xu Jilin , He Shan , Zhao Peng , Yan Xiaojun
Published: June 2012

A facile method based on liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry working in selected reaction monitoring mode has been established to analyze toxins in the algae and water samples. Twelve types of toxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, dinophysistoxin‐1, nodularin, okadaic acid, microcystins) were efficiently separated under optimized liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry conditions in the selected reaction monitoring mode. Correlation coefficients of the calibration curves, all felt in the range of 0.9958–0.9998, indicated good linearity. The detection limits of toxins in this method were all lower than 0.20 ng/mL and the quantification limits were in the range from 0.04 to 0.60 ng/mL. Except for anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, and nodularin, the other toxins’ recoveries varied from 55.45 to 140.85%. And the relative standard deviations of interday and intraday precision were at 8.61% (n = 5). The high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/electrospray ionization (ESI)–mass spectrometery (MS) method was also successfully applied to analyze the algae and water samples. Owing to its exclusive selectivity and excellent sensitivity, the developed method is a tool for comprehensive analyses of the 12 types of toxins at nanogram levels.
Simultaneous analysis of kynurenine and tryptophan in human plasma by capillary electrophoresis with UV detection
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Sotgia Salvatore , Deiana Luca , Talanas Giuseppe , Terrosu PierFranco , Carru Ciriaco
Published: June 2012

Plasma kynurenine (Kyn)/tryptophan ratio has been proposed as a useful marker for the monitoring activation of the cellular immune system. Here, we describe an easy capillary electrophoresis method with UV detection for the separation and detection of Kyn and tryptophan in human plasma using methltryptophan as internal standard. The plasma samples were simply treated with acentonitrile for the elimination of proteins, the supernatant was evaporated, and the dried sample was resuspended with water and directly injected on the capillary without sample derivatization procedures. The use of a run buffer composed by 100 mmol/L Bis‐Tris propane at pH 2.15 allowed to baseline resolve the analytes within 9 min. Precision tests indicated a good repeatability of our method both for times (CV< 0.53%) and areas (CV< 2.8%). Moreover, a good reproducibility of intra‐assay and interassay tests was obtained (CV < 3.9% and CV < 7.6%, respectively). The obtained limit of detections for Kyn and tryptophane, evaluated at 226 nm, were 0.15 and 0.40 μmol/L, respectively. The method suitability was tested by measuring analyte levels both in healthy volunteers, acute myocardial infarction and chronic kidney disease patients.
Use of noninvasive ventilation for pediatric patients after liver transplantation: Decrease in the need for reintubation
Authors: Murase Kimihiko , Chihara Yuichi , Takahashi Kenichi , Okamoto Shinya , Segawa Hajime , Fukuda Kazuhiko , Tanaka Koichi , Uemoto Shinji , Mishima Michiaki , Chin Kazuo
Published: June 2012

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) refers to ventilation delivered through a noninvasive interface (a nasal or face mask) rather than an invasive interface (an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy). The role of NIV in preventing reintubation after abdominal surgery in pediatric patients is uncertain. Therefore, we evaluated the role of NIV for this purpose in pediatric patients after liver transplantation. We successfully started using NIV for respiratory complications (RCs) in pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation in 1999. For this report, we screened all medical records of patients under the age of 12 years who underwent liver transplantation between 2001 and 2009, and we retrieved data for cases at high risk of extubation failure. We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of patients who received NIV during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay and patients who did not. Data for 94 cases (92 patients) were included in this analysis. NIV was used in 47 patients during their ICU stay. The rate of reintubation for RCs was significantly lower in NIV patients versus non-NIV patients [3/47 (6.4%) versus 11/47 (23.4%), P = 0.02]. Furthermore, the discharge rate from the ICU was significantly better for NIV patients versus non-NIV patients. The use of NIV after extubation prevented the worsening of atelectasis and stabilized respiratory conditions in this cohort. No major changes in operative procedures or other treatments during the examined period were found. In conclusion, NIV is acceptable and promising for the respiratory management of pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation. Its use may stabilize respiratory conditions and decrease the need for reintubation in pediatric liver transplant patients, and it may also facilitate an early ICU discharge. Liver Transpl 18:1217–1225, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
STAT1 gene expression is enhanced by nuclear EGFR and HER2 via cooperation With STAT3
Authors: Han Woody , Carpenter Richard L. , Cao Xinyu , Lo Hui‐Wen
Published: June 2012

Both EGFR and HER2 are important mediators of tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Despite their best‐characterized roles as plasma membrane‐bound receptors, both receptors undergo nuclear translocation though the impact of this process remains unclear. In this study, we provide evidence showing that EGFR upregulates expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), a transcription factor responding to inflammatory signals and regulating genes involved in inflammatory response. EGFR regulation of STAT1 expression is primarily attributed to the nuclear activity of EGFR. The oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 binds to the STAT1 promoter and synergizes with nuclear EGFR to significantly enhance STAT1 gene expression. Structural characterization of the human STAT1 gene promoter indicates the presence of four functional STAT3‐binding sites in the promoter and their importance in STAT1 co‐regulation by EGFR and STAT3. The constitutively activated EGFR variant, EGFRvIII, also cooperates with STAT3 to activate the STAT1 gene promoter through the identified STAT3‐binding sites within the promoter. Using human breast cancer cell lines, we further found a positive association between levels of STAT1, EGFR, and p‐STAT3. Furthermore, we found that STAT1 expression is transcriptionally upregulated by HER2 and heregulin stimulation in breast cancer cells, and the level is further augmented by activated STAT3. In summary, we report in this study that STAT1 expression is upregulated by nuclear EGFR, EGFRvIII and HER2, and that STAT3 synergizes with the three receptors to further enhance STAT1 expression. These novel findings establish a novel link between the mitogenic ErbB signaling pathway and the inflammatory pathway mediated by STAT1. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nicotine as a potential neuroprotective agent for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Quik Maryka , Perez Xiomara A. , Bordia Tanuja
Published: June 2012

Converging research efforts suggest that nicotine and other drugs that act at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may be beneficial in the management of Parkinson's disease. This idea initially stemmed from the results of epidemiological studies that demonstrated that smoking is associated with a decreased incidence of Parkinson's disease. The subsequent finding that nicotine administration protected against nigrostriatal damage in parkinsonian animal models led to the idea that nicotine in tobacco products may contribute to this apparent protective action. Nicotine most likely exerts its effects by interacting at nAChRs. Accumulating research indicates that multiple subtypes containing nAChRs, including α4β2, α6β2, and/or α7, may be involved. Stimulation of nAChRs initially activates various intracellular transduction pathways primarily via alterations in calcium signaling. Consequent adaptations in immune responsiveness and trophic factors may ultimately mediate nicotine's ability to reduce/halt the neuronal damage that arises in Parkinson's disease. In addition to a potential neuroprotective action, nicotine also has antidepressant properties and improves attention/cognition. Altogether, these findings suggest that nicotine and nAChR drugs represent promising therapeutic agents for the management of Parkinson's disease. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society