bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling the porosity of fibrous scaffolds by modulating the fiber diameter and packing density
Authors: Soliman Sherif , Sant Shilpa , Nichol Jason W. , Khabiry Masoud , Traversa Enrico , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: January 2011

Porosity has been shown to be a key determinant of the success of tissue engineered scaffolds. A high degree of porosity and an appropriate pore size are necessary to provide adequate space for cell spreading and migration as well as to allow for proper exchange of nutrients and waste between the scaffold and the surrounding environment. Electrospun scaffolds offer an attractive approach for mimicking the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) for tissue engineering applications. The efficacy of electrospinning is likely to depend on the interaction between cells and the geometric features and physicochemical composition of the scaffold. A major problem in electrospinning is the tendency of fibers to accumulate densely, resulting in poor porosity and small pore size. The porosity and pore sizes in the electrospun scaffolds are mainly dependent on the fiber diameter and their packing density. Here we report a method of modulating porosity in three dimensional (3D) scaffolds by simultaneously tuning the fiber diameter and the fiber packing density. Nonwoven poly(ε‐caprolactone) mats were formed by electrospinning under various conditions to generate sparse or highly dense micro‐ and nanofibrous scaffolds and characterized for their physicochemical and biological properties. We found that microfibers with low packing density resulted in improved cell viability, proliferation and infiltration compared to tightly packed scaffolds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Hyaluronic acid stimulates neovascularization during the regeneration of bone marrow after ablation
Authors: Raines Andrew L. , Sunwoo MoonHae , Gertzman Arthur A. , Thacker Kipling , Guldberg Robert E. , Schwartz Zvi , Boyan Barbara D.
Published: January 2011

Restoration of vasculature is a critical component for successful integration of implants in musculoskeletal tissue. Sodium hyaluronate (NaHY) has been used as a carrier for demineralized bone matrix (DBM). DBM is osteoinductive and osteoconductive, but whether NaHY by itself has an effect is not known. NaHY has been reported to promote neovascularization, suggesting it may increase neovasculature when used with DBM as well. To test this, we used a rat tibial marrow ablation model to assess neovascularization during bone formation and regeneration of marrow with different combinations of NaHY alone and NaHY+DBM. To assess neovascularization during normal healing, animals were euthanized at 3‐, 6‐, 14‐, 21‐, and 28‐days post‐ablation, and the vasculature perfused using a radio‐opaque contrast agent. Vascular morphology was assessed using μCT and histology. Peak vessel volume within the marrow cavity was observed on day‐14 post‐ablation. Test materials were injected into the ablated marrow space as follows: (A) empty defect controls; (B) high MW (700–800 kDa) NaHY + heat inactivated DBM; (C) DBM in PBS; (D) low MW NaHY (35 kDa) + DBM; (E) high MW NaHY + DBM; (F) D:E 50:50; (G) low MW NaHY; (H) high MW NaHY; and (I) G:H 50:50. Neovascularization varied with bone substitute formulation. μCT results revealed that addition of NaHY resulted in an increase in vessel number compared to empty defects. Total blood vessel volume in all NaHY only groups were similar to DBM alone. Histomorphometry of sagittal sections showed that all three formulations of NaHY increased blood vessel number within the marrow cavity, confirming that NaHY promotes neovascularization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Best predictors of grayscale ultrasound combined with color doppler in the diagnosis of retained products of conception
Authors: Atri M. , Rao A. , Boylan C. , Rasty G. , Gerber D.
Published: January 2011

Objectives:

To determine the best predictors of the presence of retained products of conception (RPOC) on grayscale and color Doppler transvaginal sonographic examination.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of 91 consecutive patients who underwent transvaginal sonography (TVS) with color Doppler to evaluate for the presence of RPOC. The images of TVS studies were reviewed by two radiologists in consensus blinded to the final outcome. Data on a number of variables including endometrial measurable mass and focal increased color vascularity were collected as predictors of RPOC. The patients' ages ranged from 17 to 48 years (mean, 31.8 ± 6.8) and gestational age from 5 to 24 weeks (mean, 9.2 ± 3.8). Thirty‐six were confirmed as RPOC by dilatation and curettage (D&C) and pathology. Fifty‐five were considered negative, 9 based on D&C results and 46 on clinical grounds.

Results:

Sensitivity, specificity, negative‐ and positive‐predictive and accuracy values were 81% (CI: 68%–94%), 71% (CI: 59%–83%), 85% (CI: 74%–95%), 64% (CI: 50%–78%), and 75% (CI: 66%–84%) to detect RPOC when a mass was present. The corresponding numbers for the presence of focal color vascularity were 94% (CI: 87%–100%) (p = 0.07), 67% (CI: 55%–80%) (p > 0.05), 95% (CI: 88%–100%) (p = 0.1), 65% (CI: 52%–78%) (p > 0.05), and 78% (CI: 70%–87%) (p > 0.05). Of the patients with confirmed RPOC on pathology, five had focal increased vascularity and no massand none had a mass without focal increased vascularity.

Conclusion:

An area of focal increased vascularity with or without a mass is the best predictor of the presence of RPOC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Prenatal diagnosis of hydrometrocolpos in a down syndrome fetus
Authors: Dosedla Erik , Kacerovsky Marian , Calda Pavel
Published: January 2011

We report the prenatal sonographic diagnosis of hydrometrocolpos caused by an imperforate hymen in a Down syndrome fetus, with spontaneous evacuation on the third day of life. In this case, sonographic evaluation in the 37th week revealed a large retrovesical, sharply marginated, heterogeneous, unilocular cystic structure within the fetal abdomen extending to the left side of the umbilicus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Intra‐ and interobserver reliability of quantitative ultrasound measurement of the plantar fascia
Authors: Skovdal Rathleff Michael , Moelgaard Carsten , Lykkegaard Olesen Jens
Published: January 2011

Purpose.

To determine intra‐ and interobserver reliability and measurement precision of sonographic assessment of plantar fascia thickness when using one, the mean of two, or the mean of three measurements.

Methods.

Two experienced observers scanned 20 healthy subjects twice with 60 minutes between test and retest. A GE LOGIQe ultrasound scanner was used in the study. The built‐in software in the scanner was used to measure the thickness of the plantar fascia (PF). Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement (LOA).

Results.

Intraobserver reliability (ICC) using one measurement was 0.50 for one observer and 0.52 for the other, and using the mean of three measurements intraobserver reliability increased up to 0.77 and 0.67, respectively. Interobserver reliability (ICC) when using one measurement was 0.62 and increased to 0.82 when using the average of three measurements. LOA showed that when using the average of three measurements, LOA decreased to 0.6 mm, corresponding to 17.5% of the mean thickness of the PF.

Conclusions.

The results showed that reliability increases when using the mean of three measurements compared with one. Limits of agreement based on intratester reliability shows that changes in thickness that are larger than 0.6 mm can be considered actual changes in thickness and not a result of measurement error. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Transitioning antimicrobial stewardship beyond the hospital: The cleveland clinic's community‐based parenteral anti‐infective therapy (CoPAT) program
Authors: Gordon Steven M. , Shrestha Nabin K. , Rehm Susan J.
Published: January 2011

One of the tenets of value‐based health care is a focus on providing benefits to patients, as measured by better health outcomes per dollar spent rather than minimizing costs. In fact, proponents of value‐based health care argue that the best way to reduce health care costs is through a focused approach to improving health outcomes. Associated with this approach is the need to measure outcomes over the full cycle of care, not simply for services rendered while an inpatient. This article examines the community‐based parenteral anti‐infective therapy program at the Cleveland Clinic as a model for antimicrobial stewardship for patients requiring parenteral antimicrobial therapy at the time of discharge from the inpatient setting. The program is a patient needs‐focused, coordinated team effort that mandates inpatient infectious disease consultation for patients requiring community‐based parenteral anti‐infective therapy. An examination of some of the features of the Cleveland Clinic program should provide guidance for other institutions seeking to improve the care of their patients requiring parenteral anti‐infectives when transitioning care from the acute setting. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:S24‐S30. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Novel GLP‐1 mimetics developed to treat type 2 diabetes promote progenitor cell proliferation in the brain
Authors: Hamilton A. , Patterson S. , Porter D. , Gault V.A. , Holscher C.
Published: January 2011

One of the symptoms of diabetes is the progressive development of neuropathies. One mechanism to replace neurons in the CNS is through the activation of stem cells and neuronal progenitor cells. We have tested the effects of the novel GLP‐1 mimetics exenatide (exendin‐4; Byetta) and liraglutide (NN2211; Victoza), which are already on the market as treatments for type 2 diabetes, on the proliferation rate of progenitor cells and differentiation into neurons in the dentate gyrus of brains of mouse models of diabetes. GLP‐1 analogues were injected subcutaneously for 4, 6, or 10 weeks once daily in three mouse models of diabetes: ob/ob mice, db/db mice, or high‐fat‐diet‐fed mice. Twenty‐four hours before perfusion, animals were injected with 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) to mark dividing progenitor cells. By using immunohistochemistry and stereological methods, the number of progenitor cells or doublecortin‐positive young neurons in the dentate gyrus was estimated. We found that, in all three mouse models, progenitor cell division was enhanced compared with nondiabetic controls after chronic i.p. injection of either liraglutide or exendin‐4 by 100–150% (P < 0.001). We also found an increase in young neurons in the DG of high‐fat‐diet‐fed mice after drug treatment (P < 0.001). The GLP‐1 receptor antagonist exendin(9–36) reduced progenitor cell proliferation in these mice. The results demonstrate that GLP‐1 mimetics show promise as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, because these novel drugs cross the blood–brain barrier and increase neuroneogenesis. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD: Pilot results from a community sample
Authors: Monson Candice M. , Fredman Steffany J. , Adair Kathryn C. , Stevens Susan P. , Resick Patricia A. , Schnurr Paula P. , MacDonald Helen Z. , Macdonald Alexandra
Published: January 2011

Seven couples participated in an uncontrolled trial of cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the 6 couples who completed treatment, 5 of the patients no longer met criteria for PTSD and there were across‐treatment effect size improvements in patients' total PTSD symptoms according to independent clinician assessment, patient report, and partner report (d = 1.32–1.69). Three of the 4 couples relationally distressed at pretreatment were satisfied at posttreatment. Partners reported statistically significant and large effect size improvements in relationship satisfaction; patients reported nonsignificant moderate to large improvements in relationship satisfaction. Patients also reported nonsignificant, but large effect size improvements in depression and state anger symptoms. Future directions for research and treatment of traumatized individuals and close others are offered.
Risk factors of lung, head and neck, esophageal, and kidney and urinary tract carcinomas after liver transplantation
Authors: Herrero Ignacio J. , Pardo Fernando , D'Avola Delia , Alegre Félix , Rotellar Fernando , Iñarrairaegui Mercedes , Martí Pablo , Sangro Bruno , Quiroga Jorge
Published: January 2011

Liver transplant recipients have an increased risk of malignancy. Smoking is related to some of the most frequent causes of posttransplant malignancy. The incidence and risk factors for the development of neoplasia related to smoking (head and neck, lung, esophageal, and kidney and urinary tract carcinomas) were studied in 339 liver transplant recipients. Risk factors for the development of smoking-related neoplasia were also studied in 135 patients who had a history of smoking so that it could be determined whether smoking withdrawal was associated with a lower risk of malignancy. After a mean follow-up of 7.5 years, 26 patients were diagnosed with 29 smoking-related malignancies. The 5- and 10-year actuarial rates were 5% and 13%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, smoking and older age were independently associated with a higher risk of malignancy. In the smoker subgroup, the variables related to a higher risk of malignancy were active smoking and older age. In conclusion, smoking withdrawal after liver transplantation may have a protective effect against the development of neoplasia.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Arterial blood flow predicts graft survival in liver transplant patients a
Authors: Pratschke Sebastian , Meimarakis Georgios , Mayr Stephan , Graeb Christian , Rentsch Markus , Zachoval Reinhard , Bruns Christiane Josephine , Kleespies Axel , Jauch Karl-Walter , Loehe Florian , Angele Martin Kurt
Published: January 2011

Proper liver perfusion is essential for sufficient organ function after liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of portal and arterial blood flow on liver function and organ survival after liver transplantation. The arterial and portal venous blood flow was measured intraoperatively by transit time flow measurement after reperfusion for 290 consecutive liver transplants. The graft survival, hepatic cell damage (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), and liver function (prothrombin ratio and bilirubin) were determined. Grafts were stratified into groups according to arterial blood flow measurements [<100 mL/minute for arterial blood flow group I (ART I), 100-240 mL/minute for ART II, and ≥240 mL/minute for ART III] and portal venous blood flow measurements (<1300 mL/minute for portal venous blood flow group I and ≥1300 mL/minute for portal venous blood flow group II). With multivariate analysis, the impact of blood flow on graft survival was determined, and potential confounders were considered. Decreased portal venous blood flow was associated with significantly less organ survival in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. In contrast, the arterial blood flow was significantly correlated with organ survival after liver transplantation in univariate and multivariate analyses [hazard rate ratio = 2.5, confidence interval = 1.6-4.1, P < 0.001, median survival = 56.6 (ART I), 82.7 (ART II), or 100.7 months (ART III)]. Moreover, low arterial blood flow resulted in impaired postoperative organ function and higher rates of primary nonfunction. Biliary complications were not affected by blood flow. Other risk factors for graft failure that were identified by multivariate analysis included retransplantation, histidine tryptophan ketoglutarate solution versus University of Wisconsin solution, and donor treatment with epinephrine. Impaired arterial blood flow after reperfusion represents a significant predictor of primary graft nonfunction and is associated with impaired graft survival. Whether the intraoperative measurement of hepatic arterial flow is predictive of graft survival should be evaluated in a prospective trial.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Explanted liver inflammatory grade predicts fibrosis progression in hepatitis C recurrence
Authors: Ghabril Marwan , Dickson Rolland C. , Krishna Murli , Machicao Victor , Aranda-Michel Jaime , Bonatti Hugo , Nguyen Justin H.
Published: January 2011

Factors present prior to liver transplantation (LT) that predict fibrosis progression in recurrent hepatitis C infection (HCV) after LT would be important to identify. This study sought to determine if histologic grade of HCV in the explant predicts fibrosis progression in recurrent HCV. The clinical and histologic data of all 159 patients undergoing their first LT for HCV at our center from 1998 to 2001 were retrospectively reviewed with follow-up through June 2008. Twenty-five cases were excluded for: non–HCV-related graft loss <90 days (19), recidivism (4), or unavailable explant or follow-up biopsies (2). A single pathologist scored (Ishak) explants in a blinded fashion. Patients were grouped by explant inflammatory grade ≤4 (group1) and >4 (group 2). Prospectively scored liver biopsies (protocol months 1 and 4, annually, and as indicated clinically) were reviewed for development of advanced fibrosis (bridging or cirrhosis). Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the association of explant grade, donor, viral and LT factors with progression to advanced fibrosis. The groups were well-matched for patient, viral, donor, and transplant factors. Five-year advanced fibrosis-free survival in group 1 versus group 2 was 63% versus 28%, P < 0.001. Explant grade >4 was associated with increased HCV-related graft loss at 1 (6% versus 3%) and 5 (36% versus 14%) years post-LT (P = 0.003). On univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, predictors of advanced fibrosis were explant grade >4 (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-5.6, P < 0.001) donor age >50 (HR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.9-5.7, P < 0.001) and viral load at LT of >158,730 IU/mL (HR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.05-3.1, P = 0.03). Conclusion: Explant histologic grade can identify patients requiring more aggressive monitoring and intervention for HCV recurrence post-LT. Liver Transpl 17:685-694, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Posttransplant biliary complications in the pre- and post-model for end-stage liver disease era
Authors: Sundaram Vinay , Jones Deborah T. , Shah Nilesh H. , de Vera Michael E. , Fontes Paulo , Marsh Wallis J. , Humar Abhinav , Ahmad Jawad
Published: January 2011

Biliary complications remain a cause of morbidity after liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in clinical practice in the era of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) has affected biliary complications after liver transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed all deceased donor liver transplants at a single center. Patients were categorized as pre- or post-MELD (transplant before or after February 28, 2002). A total of 1798 recipients underwent deceased donor liver transplants. Biliary stricture was more common in the post-MELD era (15.4% versus 6.4%, P < 0.001). The strongest risk factors for stricture development were donor age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01), presence of a prior bile leak (OR = 2.24), use of choledochocholedochostomy (OR = 2.22), and the post-MELD era (OR = 2.30). Bile leak was more common in the pre-MELD era (7.5% versus 4.9%, P = 0.02), with use of a T-tube as the strongest risk factor (OR = 3.38). Surgical factors did not influence the biliary complication rate. In conclusion, even when employing multivariate analysis to allow for factors that may influence biliary strictures, transplant in the post-MELD era was an independent predictor for stricture development. Further studies are warranted to determine the etiology of this increase.
Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Modification of Chlorinated Poly(propylene) via Atom Transfer Radical Graft Copolymerization of 2‐Ethylhexyl Acrylate: A Brush‐like Graft Copolymer
Authors: Haloi Dhruba J. , Naskar Kinsuk , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: January 2011

The modification of chlorinated poly(propylene) (CPP) via graft copolymerization of EHA using ATRgP is reported. The kinetic plot of monomer conversion versus reaction time was found to be linear, which is the typical characteristic of a living controlled polymerization. The grafted copolymers were characterized by means of FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, GPC, DSC, and TGA. Mechanical properties were also studied by means of UTM and DMA. The stress/strain plot and the tension set properties indicate that the brush‐type graft copolymer (CPP‐g‐PEHA) behaves as a thermoplastic elastomer.

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Citrus flavonoid 5‐demethylnobiletin suppresses scavenger receptor expression in THP‐1 cells and alters lipid homeostasis in HepG2 liver cells
Authors: Yen Jui‐Hung , Weng Ching‐Yi , Li Shiming , Lo Ya‐Hsuan , Pan Min‐Hsiung , Fu Shih‐Hang , Ho Chi‐Tang , Wu Ming‐Jiuan
Published: January 2011

Scope: Nobiletin, a polymethoxyflavone from the peel of citrus fruits, has been reported to inhibit modified LDL uptake in macrophages and enhance hepatic LDL receptor expression and activity. We report the anti‐atherogenic effect and mechanism of 5‐demethylnobiletin, an auto‐hydrolysis product of nobiletin.

Methods and results: 5‐Demethylnobiletin significantly attenuated phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐induced gene expression and activity of scavenger receptors, CD36, scavenger receptor‐A and lectin‐like oxidized LDL receptor‐1. The inhibitory effect is partly associated with the inhibition of protein‐kinase C activity and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting the activation of activator protein‐1 and nuclear factor‐κB. 5‐Demethylnobiletin treatment also led to reduction of oxidized LDL‐induced CD36 mRNA expression and blockade of 1,1′‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylindocarbocyanide perchlorate‐modified LDL uptake in THP‐1‐derived macrophages. In the human hepatoma cell line HepG2, 5‐demethylnobiletin significantly induced LDL receptor activity and transcription, at least in part, through steroid‐response element‐binding protein‐2 activation. 5‐Demethylnobiletin also decreased the mRNA expression of acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, the key enzyme involved in the hepatic triacylglycerol biosyntheses.

Conclusion: Current results suggest that 5‐demethylnobiletin has diverse anti‐atherogenic bioactivities. It is more potent in inhibiting monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation and foam cell formation than its permethoxylated counterpart, nobiletin. It exhibits similar hypolipidemic activity as nobiletin and both can enhance LDL receptor gene expression and activity and decreased acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 expression.
Molecular structure‐affinity relationship of natural polyphenols for bovine γ‐globulin
Authors: Xiao Jianbo , Kai Guoyin , Yang Fan , Liu Chunxi , Xu Xiaochen , Yamamoto Koichiro
Published: January 2011

Scope: The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between polyphenols and bovine γ‐globulin.

Methods and results: The relationship between the structural properties of natural polyphenols and their affinities for bovine γ‐globulin were investigated by fluorescence titration analysis. Methylation of hydroxyl groups on flavonoids weakened the affinities for γ‐globulin by 1.20–38.0 times. Hydroxylation on rings A, B, and C of flavonoids also significantly affected the affinity for γ‐globulin. Glycosylation of flavonoids slightly affected the affinity depending on the conjugation site and the class of sugar moiety. Hydrogenation of the C2C3 double bond on flavonoids decreased the binding affinities. Galloylated catechins and catechol‐type catechins exhibited higher binding affinities for γ‐globulin than non‐galloylated and pyrogallol‐type catechins. The glycosylation of resveratrol decreased its affinity for γ‐globulin.

Conclusion: The binding process with γ‐globulin was strongly influenced by the structural differences of polyphenols.
Optimal portfolio and consumption subject to multidimensional economic factors
Authors: Chakrabarty Siddhartha P. , Zhu Zongwu
Published: January 2011

In this paper we consider a model for a portfolio comprising a bond and N stocks, which are affected by M economic factors. We formulate an equation for the wealth to encompass instantaneous fraction of wealth invested in the bond and the equities and seek to optimize the utility of the terminal wealth and instantaneous consumption. We illustrate the results by considering an example for a portfolio with one bond, one stock, and one economic factor, namely the gross domestic product. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two novel branched chain polymeric metal complexes based on Cd(II), Zn(II) with fluorene, thiophene, 8‐hydroxyquinoline, and 1,10‐phenathroline ligand: synthesis, characterization, photovoltaic properties, and their application in DSSCs
Authors: Liu Yuan , Xiu Qian , Xiao Lifen , Huang Hui , Guo Lihui , Zhang Lirong , Zhang Hailiang , Tan Songting , Zhong Chaofan
Published: January 2011

Two novel side chain polymeric metal complexes (PFT‐Cd and PFT‐Zn) have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. These polymers were found to be good thermally stable and high glass transitions temperature, which indicate that these polymers could be applied as photovoltaic materials for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The obtained polymers exhibited good photovoltaic property. The DSSCs based on the PFT‐Cd and PFT‐Zn exhibited a maximum solar‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency (η) up to 3.37% (Jsc = 7.27 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.67 V, and FF = 0.69) and 3.01% (Voc = 0.72 V, Jsc = 6.10 mA/cm2, FF = 0.69) under simulated AM 1.5 G solar irradiation (90–95 mW/cm2). The result shows that these novel materials are suitable for the dye‐sensitized solar cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PTEN deletion and heme oxygenase‐1 overexpression cooperate in prostate cancer progression and are associated with adverse clinical outcome
Authors: Li Yunru , Su Jie , DingZhang Xiao , Zhang Jianguo , Yoshimoto Maisa , Liu Shuhong , Bijian Krikor , Gupta Ajay , Squire Jeremy A , Alaoui Jamali Moulay A , Bismar Tarek A
Published: January 2011

Overexpression of the pro‐survival protein heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and loss of the pro‐apoptotic tumour suppressor PTEN are common events in prostate cancer (PCA). We assessed the occurrence of both HO‐1 expression and PTEN deletion in two cohorts of men with localized and castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The phenotypic cooperation of these markers was examined in preclinical and clinical models. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference in HO‐1 epithelial expression between benign, high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), localized PCA, and CRPC (p < 0.0001). The highest epithelial HO‐1 expression was noted in CRPC (2.00 ± 0.89), followed by benign prostate tissue (1.49 ± 1.03) (p = 0.0003), localized PCA (1.20 ± 0.95), and HGPIN (1.07 ± 0.87) (p < 0.0001). However, the difference between HGPIN and PCA was not statistically significant (p = 0.21). PTEN deletions were observed in 35/55 (63.6%) versus 68/183 (37.1%) cases of CRPC and localized PCA, respectively. Although neither HO‐1 overexpression nor PTEN deletions alone in localized PCA showed a statistically significant association with PSA relapse, the combined status of both markers correlated with disease progression (log‐rank test, p = 0.01). In a preclinical model, inhibition of HO‐1 by shRNA in PTEN‐deficient PC3M cell line and their matched cells where PTEN is restored strongly reduced cell growth and invasion in vitro and inhibited tumour growth and lung metastasis formation in mice compared to cells where only HO‐1 is inhibited or PTEN is restored. In summary, we provide clinical and experimental evidence for cooperation between epithelial HO‐1 expression and PTEN deletions in relation to the PCA patient's outcome. These findings could potentially lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic modalities for advanced PCA. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality and completeness of utilisation data on biological agents across European countries: tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors as a case study
Authors: Hoebert Joëlle M. , Mantel‐Teeuwisse Aukje K. , van Dijk Liset , Laing Richard O. , Leufkens Hubert G.M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

For optimal decision making on access to and regulations around biologicals availability of national utilisation data is a prerequisite. This study characterises the main categories of critical issues in collecting available national utilisation data on tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) inhibitors in different European countries.

Methods

Data were collected on characteristics of the nature of TNFalpha usage data and on usage of TNFalpha itself (2003–2007). Utilisation rates were expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs)/1000 inhabitants/day. Data from Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal were included.

Results

Characteristics of TNFalpha (usage settings and ways of distribution to patients) and databases (type of data collected, public availability and data sources) influenced the way data were collected and determined the type of research and policy questions that can validly be addressed. The prevailing differences in the structure of national databases are prohibitive for critical aspects of medicines utilisation studies. An increase in TNFalpha usage over time was observed in all countries and varied widely from 0.32 (Portugal) to 1.89 (Norway) DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day (2007).

Conclusions

In the European countries studied data on national TNFalpha usage is not easily, if at all accessible. Intercountry collaboration and sharing of technical resources will facilitate harmonisation of data collection allowing independent, population based, health and outcomes research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Curricular considerations for pharmaceutical comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Murray Michael D.
Published: January 2011

In the U.S. pharmacoepidemiology and related health professions can potentially flourish with the congressional appropriation of $1.1 billion of federal funding for comparative effectiveness research (CER). A direct result of this legislation will be the need for sufficient numbers of trained scientists and decision‐makers to address the research and implementation associated with CER. An interdisciplinary expert panel comprised mostly of professionals with pharmaceutical interests was convened to examine the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be considered in the development of a CER curriculum for the health professions focusing predominantly on pharmaceuticals. A limitation of the panel's composition was that it did not represent the breadth of comparative effectiveness research, which additionally includes devices, services, diagnostics, behavioral treatments, and delivery system changes. This bias affects the generalizability of these findings. Notwithstanding, important components of the curriculum identified by the panel included study design considerations and understanding the strengths and limitations of data sources. Important skills and abilities included methods for adjustment of differences in comparator group characteristics to control confounding and bias, data management skills, and clinical skills and insights into the relevance of comparisons. Most of the knowledge, skills, and abilities identified by the panel were consistent with the training of pharmacoepidemiologists. While comparative effectiveness is broader than the pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacoepidemiologists have much to offer academic and professional CER training programs. As such, pharmacoepidemiologists should have a central role in curricular design and provision of the necessary training for needed comparative effectiveness researchers within the realm of pharmaceutical sciences. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualization analysis of side‐edge flow phenomena in different thickness/width rectangular cavities using a rotary runner exchange system
Authors: Kanetoh Yoshinori , Yokoi Hidetoshi
Published: January 2011

The authors developed a rotary runner exchange system which is able to instantaneously switch between flow resins of two colors before the gate and proposed a new visualization method which enables observation of the internal flow behavior. In this study, the authors confirmed that resins of the initial filling stage are stretched into a horn shape along both sides of the cavity. This side‐edge flow area found to distribute along both sides of the rectangular cavity, and the distribution state varied with the change in the aspect ratio between the cavity width and thickness. With square cross sections, the side‐edge flow area was confirmed to divide into four corners. The same flow behavior does not occur with circular cross sections. With rectangular cross sections, a solidified layer and a nonflow layer grow consistently from the cavity wall during the flow process. This causes the shape of the residual flow area around the center of the cross section to change during the flow process. As a result of flow history of regions, where shear flow selectively continues over a long time, a horn‐shaped side flow is thought to be formed near both sides of the cavity or its four corners. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Aminoglycolysis of waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) with diethanolamine and evaluation of the products as polyurethane surface coating materials
Authors: Acar Işıl , Orbay Murat
Published: January 2011

Aminoglycolysis and simultaneous hydrolysis‐aminoglycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) wastes by diethanolamine (DEA) was attempted in the presence of xylene, with the aim of obtaining intermediates containing both hydroxyl and carboxyl end groups, which could be employed in polyurethane surface coatings. Aminoglycolysis and simultaneous hydrolysis‐aminoglycolysis reactions were carried out with the catalysis of zinc acetate (ZnAc) at high temperatures and relatively high pressures. Depolymerization products were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). To prepare polyurethane surface coating films, the depolymerization products were reacted with 1,4 butanediol (BDO) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in the presence of dibutiltin dilaurate (DBTDL) catalyst and pyrogallol inhibitor. After the films prepared, the physical properties such as hardness, drying degree, adhesion, and impact resistance of these films were investigated. The intermediates yielded from medium to very hard coatings with excellent adhesion and having medium to very good drying degree. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Drawing and ultimate tensile properties of modified polyamide 6 fibers
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Xin‐Ling , Liu Zhi‐Wei , Wu Dong‐Rui , Qiu Liang , Tsai Fang‐Chang , Lai Yu‐Ching , Zhu Ping , Yeh Jen‐Taut
Published: January 2011

The drawing and ultimate tensile properties of the modified PA 6 (MPA) fiber specimens prepared at varying drawing temperature were systematically investigated, wherein the MPA resins were prepared by reactive extrusion of PA 6 with the compatibilizer precursor (CP). At any fixed drawing temperature, the achievable draw ratio (Dra) values of MPA as‐spun fiber specimens increase initially with increasing CP contents, and then approach a maximum value, as their CP contents are close to the 5 wt% optimum value. The maximum Dra values obtained for MPA as‐spun fiber specimens prepared at the optimum CP content reach another maximum as their drawing temperatures approach the optimum drawing temperature at 120°C. The tensile and birefringence values of PA 6 and MPA fiber specimens improve consistently as their draw ratios increase. Similar to those found for their achievable drawing properties, the ultimate tensile and birefringence values of MPA fiber specimens approach a maximum value, as their CP contents and drawing temperatures approach the 5 wt% and 120°C optimum values, respectively. Investigations including Fourier transform infrared, melt shear viscosity, gel content, thermal and wide angle X‐ray diffraction experiments were performed on the MPA resin and/or fiber specimens to clarify the optimum CP content and possible deformation mechanisms accounting for the interesting drawing, birefringence, and ultimate tensile properties found for the MPA fiber specimens prepared in this study. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Acetic acid/water separation by pervaporation with silica filled PDMS membrane
Authors: Hong Housheng , Chen Longxiang , Zhang Qingwen , Zhang Zheran
Published: January 2011

Silica‐filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite membranes are prepared on a polytetrafluoroethylene support structure. The structure and the performance of the membranes are characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry. The pervaporation process for acetic/water separation is performed within the PDMS membranes. The vulcanization temperature was found to have a great influence on the separation performance of the membrane. The addition of silica can significantly improve the pervaporation flux and enhance the thermal stability of the membrane. With an increase in the feed temperature, selectivity decreases and permeation flux increases. Performed with a pure PDMS membrane vulcanized at 30°C, the separation factor at first will increase, then decrease when the feed flow rate was increased from 14 to 38 L · h−1. The maximum separation factor is achieved when the feed flow rate is 26 L · h−1. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Examination of starch preprocess drying and water absorption of injection‐molded starch‐filled poly(lactic acid) products
Authors: Kovács J.G. , Tábi T.
Published: January 2011

This article focuses on the drying of native maize starch before compounding with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and on the water absorption of injection‐molded starch‐filled PLA products. The mass loss of starch was examined while drying in a vented oven at various temperatures, and a proposal was made for complete drying. A temperature‐dependent mathematical model was established to describe the moisture loss of native starch. The dried starch was mixed with PLA, compounded with a twin‐screw extruder, and finally injection‐molded into 80 × 80 mm2 area, 2‐mm‐thick flat specimens. These specimens were placed into distilled water to analyze the water uptake and the change in mechanical properties and deformation caused by water uptake for 1 month. Another mathematical model was established to describe the water absorption of the specimens. With the proper drying of starch and PLA, a 30 wt% starch content PLA product was injection‐molded with significantly higher tensile strength compared with literature data. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Copper(0)‐mediated living radical polymerization of acrylonitrile at room temperature
Authors: Chen Qifeng , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhou Nianchen , Cheng Zhenping , Tu Yingfeng , Zhu Xiulin
Published: January 2011

The copper(0)‐catalyzed living radical polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) was investigated using ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate as an initiator and 2,2′‐bipyridine as a ligand. The polymerization proceeded smoothly in dimethyl sulphoxide with higher than 90% conversion in 13 h at 25 °C. The polymerization kept the features of controlled radical polymerization. 1H NMR spectra proved that the resultant polymer was end‐capped by ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate species. Such polymerization technique was also successfully introduced to conduct the copolymerization of styrene (St) and AN to obtain well‐controlled copolymers of St and AN at 25 °C, in which the monomer conversion of St could reach to higher than 90%. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Preparation and properties of a novel polythiophene, poly[(3‐hexyliminomethyl)thiophene] with a high regioregularity
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Hoi , Morino Kazuhide , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: January 2011

Poly[(3‐hexyliminomethyl)thiophene]s (P3HITs) were synthesized from the polymerizations of 2,5‐dibromo‐(hexyliminomethyl)thiophene and 5‐bromo‐2‐iodo‐3‐(hexyliminomethyl)thiophene by Grignard metathesis method. The corresponding P3HITs with low regioregularity (70%) and high regioregularity (95%) were obtained, respectively. UV–vis and photoluminescence spectra of P3HIT were dependent on the regioregularity and solvent polarity. By hydrolysis of the imino groups in the side chains under acidic conditions, P3HIT was successfully converted into the polythiophene (P3TCHO) having aldehyde groups. This transformation was also performed facilely by exposing the P3HIT film to HCl gas to give the polythiophene having aldehyde moiety. The reverse way from aldehyde to imine was also successfully demonstrated by treating the film with triethylamine vapor. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Polybenzoxazines from renewable diphenolic acid
Authors: Zúñiga C. , Larrechi M. S. , Lligadas G. , Ronda J. C. , Galià M. , Cádiz V.
Published: January 2011

The novel benzoxazine monomers, DPA‐Bz and MDP‐Bz from renewable diphenolic acid (DPA), which mimics the structure of bisphenol A (BPA), were synthesized by traditional approaches. The structure and purity of the monomers was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectra. The thermally activated polymerization of the MDP‐Bz and DPA‐Bz afforded thermosetting polybenzoxazines with higher Tg's, 270 °C and 208 °C respectively, and higher crosslinking density compared to BPA‐Bz, due to the transesterification or esterification reactions occurred during curing process. These reactions are in accordance with the number of independent reactions determined analyzing by SVD the chemical rank of the IR spectra data matrices recorded along the homopolymerization reactions monitored at 200 °C. Spectral and concentration profiles of the active chemical species involved in these processes were obtained by MCR‐ALS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Thermoresponsive super water absorbent hydrogels prepared by frontal polymerization of N‐isopropyl acrylamide and 3‐sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt
Authors: Scognamillo Sergio , Alzari Valeria , Nuvoli Daniele , Illescas Javier , Marceddu Salvatore , Mariani Alberto
Published: January 2011

Super water absorbent polymer hydrogels were synthesized by frontal polymerization. These materials were obtained by copolymerizing N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) and 3‐sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt (SPAK) in the presence of N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide as a crosslinker. It was found that their swelling behavior in water can be easily tuned by using either the appropriate monomer ratio or the amount of the crosslinker used. Namely, the swelling ratio was found to range from about 1000% for the NIPAAm homopolymer in the presence of 5.0 mol % of crosslinker, up to 35,000% for the sample containing 87.5 mol % of SPAK and 1.0 mol % of crosslinker. The affinity toward water was also confirmed by contact angle analysis. Moreover, the obtained hydrogels exhibit a thermoresponsive behavior, with a lower critical solution temperature of about 28–30 °C. This value is close to that of poly(NIPAAm) but with a swelling capability that dramatically increases as the amount of SPAK increases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of fluorene and cyclopentadithiophene‐based copolymers exhibiting broad absorption for photovoltaic devices
Authors: Jung In Hwan , Kim Sun Hee , Jeong Eunjae , Yang Renqiang , Lee Kwanghee , Woo Han Young , Shim Hong‐Ku
Published: January 2011

In this study, two low bandgap copolymers composed of fluorene (Fl), cyclopentadithiophene (CDT), and 4,7‐bis(2‐thienyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (DBT) were synthesized, and their optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic (PV) characteristics were investigated for applications in PV devices. The feed ratio of the Fl and CDT moieties was modulated to tune the electronic structures and resulting optical properties of the polymers. In the copolymeric structures, the Fl‐CDT unit absorbs the short‐wavelength UV/vis regions, and the CDT‐DBT (or Fl‐DBT) unit with strong intramolecular charge transfer characteristics covers the long‐wavelength visible regions. P1 exhibited a wide UV absorption spectrum covering the UV and entire visible region in the range of 300–800 nm, and P2 showed absorption covering from 300 to 700 nm. UV/vis and electrochemical studies confirmed the desirable highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels of the copolymers with bandgaps of 1.62–1.86 eV, enabling efficient electron transfer and a high open‐circuit voltage when blending them with fullerene derivatives. When the polymers were blended with [6,6]phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester, P1 exhibited the best device performance with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.66 V, short‐circuit current of 4.92 mA cm−2, and power conversion efficiency of 1.13% under Air Mass 1.5 Global (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2) illumination. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Aligned carbon cones in free‐standing UV‐Curable polymer composite
Authors: Knaapila Matti , Høyer Henrik , Svåsand Eldrid , Buchanan Mark , Skjeltorp Arne T. , Helgesen Geir
Published: January 2011

A concept where an alternating electric field (dielectrophoresis) is used to assemble and align carbon nanocone particles (CNCs) into microscopic wires in self‐supporting polymer films is demonstrated. The particle fraction is kept low (one‐tenth of the percolation threshold of isotropic mixture), which allows uniform dispersion and efficient UV curing. The alignment leads to the conductivity enhancement of three to four orders of magnitude (from ∼10−7 to ∼10−3 S/m) in the alignment direction. It does not require passing current so the material can be isolated from the alignment electrodes. This prevents electrodes attaching to the film, if the film is adhesive in nature. The alignment can be done using either in‐plane or out‐of‐plane geometries. It is proposed that this concept could be applied in areas such as electrostatic discharge applications where inexpensive conductive or dissipative materials and macroscopic uniformity are prerequisites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011