bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MR contrast agents: Physical and pharmacologic basics
Authors: Lin Shao‐Pow , Brown Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2007

Since approval of the first magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent was granted in 1988, there has been remarkable growth in the utilization of intravenous gadolinium (Gd)‐based agents. Currently it is estimated that nearly half of all MR studies performed are contrast‐enhanced. Despite containing a toxic heavy metal, these agents have proven to be not only an effective diagnostic adjunct to non‐enhanced MRI, but also remarkably well tolerated and safe. As a result, conventional wisdom has been that MR contrast media are “biologically inert,” a notion that is clearly false. Ultimately, it is the radiologist's responsibility to understand the potential adverse effects of Gd‐based agents and the special situations in which they are likely to occur; however, the basic pharmacology of contrast agents is generally not included in medical school curricula or formally taught in residency. The purpose of this review is to discuss the mechanism of action of MR contrast agents and relevant aspects of their clinical pharmacology, including effects on the cardiovascular and renal systems, potential laboratory errors, and special situations involving women and children. We also briefly discuss the issue of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:884–899. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus genotypes associated with cervical cytologic abnormalities and HIV infection in Ugandan women
Authors: Blossom D.B. , Beigi R.H. , Farrell J.J. , Mackay W. , Qadadri B. , Brown D.R. , Rwambuya S. , Walker C.J. , Kambugu F.S. , Abdul‐Karim F.W. , Whalen C.C. , Salata R.A.
Published: April 2007

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with almost all cases of cervical cancer, and cervical cancer is a common malignancy in women living in developing countries. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HPV infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and cervical cytologic abnormalities in women presenting to a sexually transmitted infections clinic in Kampala, Uganda. In June and July, 2002, 135 women underwent complete physical exams including Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. HIV status was evaluated by serology. Cervical and vaginal swabs were obtained by clinicians and tested for HPV genotypes by PCR/reverse blot strip assay. Of the 106 women with cervical swabs adequate for HPV testing, the HPV prevalence was 46.2% (49/106). HIV prevalence was 34.9% (37/106). High risk genotypes 52, 58, and 16 were the genotypes detected most commonly. Eighteen percent (9/49) of women infected with HPV were found to have genotypes 16 and/or 18. Seventy‐three percent (27/37) of HIV‐positive women versus 16% (10/63) of HIV‐negative women had abnormal Pap smears (P < 0.0001). Among HIV‐positive women, abnormal Pap smears were associated with the presence of high risk HPV genotypes (P < 0.001). The majority of women infected with HPV attending this sexually transmitted infections clinic in Uganda were infected with high risk HPV genotypes other than 16 and 18. Future studies should focus on whether current HPV vaccine formulations, that are limited to high risk genotypes 16 and 18, would be effective at decreasing the burden of cervical cancer in this population. J. Med. Virol. 79: 758–765, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The roles of CD81 and glycosaminoglycans in the adsorption and uptake of infectious HCV particles
Authors: Morikawa Kenichi , Zhao Zijiang , Date Tomoko , Miyamoto Michiko , Murayama Asako , Akazawa Daisuke , Tanabe Junichi , Sone Saburo , Wakita Takaji
Published: April 2007

Because appropriate cell‐culture systems or small‐animal models have been lacking, the early steps in the HCV life cycle have been difficult to study. A cell culture system was developed recently that allows production of infectious HCV. In this study, infectious HCV particles produced in cultured cells were used. To clarify the role of CD81 in HCV attachment and entry, the effect of anti‐CD81 antibody was examined. The antibody blocked HCV virion entry but not particle attachment. Only the fraction bound to a heparin affinity column and eluted with 0.3 M NaCl productively infected Huh7 cells, indicating that infectious HCV particles bind to heparin. Both heparin treatment of the virus particles and heparinase treatment of the Huh7 cells reduced virus‐cell binding without substantially inhibiting HCV infectivity. Finally, to confirm the role of both heparin sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) and CD81 in HCV entry, the effects of heparinase I and anti‐CD81 antibody were analyzed. No productive RNA replication was detected in the Huh7 cells in the presence of both heparinase I and anti‐CD81 antibody. In conclusion, these data suggested that both HSPG and CD81 are important for HCV entry. HSPG may play a role in the initial cell surface binding of infectious HCV particles and CD81 is conceivably correlated with HCV entry after viral attachment. J. Med. Virol. 79: 714–723, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiretroviral drug resistance and phylogenetic diversity of HIV‐1 in Chile
Authors: Ríos Maritza , Delgado Elena , Pérez‐Álvarez Lucía , Fernández Jorge , Gálvez Paula , de Parga Elena Vázquez , Yung Verónica , Thomson Michael M. , Nájera Rafael
Published: April 2007

This study reports the analysis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) coding sequences from 136 HIV‐1‐infected subjects from Chile, 66 (49%) of them under antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. The prevalence of mutations conferring high or intermediate resistance levels to ARVs was 77% among treated patients and 2.5% among drug‐naïve subjects. The distribution of resistance prevalence in treated patients by drug class was 61% to nucleoside RT inhibitors, 84% to nonnucleoside RT inhibitors, and 46% to PR inhibitors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 115 (85%) subjects were infected with subtype B viruses, 1 with a subtype F1 virus, and 20 (15%) carried BF intersubtype recombinants. Most BF recombinants grouped into two clusters, one related to CRF12_BF, while the other could represent a new circulating recombinant form (CRF). In conclusion, this is the first report analysing the prevalence of ARV resistance which includes patients under HAART from Chile. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the PR–RT coding sequences reveals the presence of BF intersubtype recombinants. J. Med. Virol. 79: 647–656, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mother‐to‐infant transmission of multiple blood‐borne viral infections from multi‐infected mothers
Authors: Indolfi Giuseppe , Moriondo Maria , Galli Luisa , Azzari Chiara , Poggi Giovanni Maria , Resti Massimo , de Martino Maurizio
Published: April 2007

Infants born from mothers with multiple blood‐borne viral infections are at risk of multiple transmissions. Whether the risk of transmission of multiple infections increases with the number of viruses infecting the mother is still unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the risk of mother‐to‐infant transmission of multiple infections from multi‐infected mothers. Sixty‐four pregnant women infected by at least two viruses among human immunodeficiency virus‐type 1 (HIV‐1), hepatitis C virus, TT virus, and GB virus type C, together with their 64 infants, were studied. Maternal blood samples were collected in the third trimester of pregnancy and all infants were prospectively followed for evaluation of transmission within 3 months after birth and two times in the subsequent 24 months. Transmission of single and of dual infection from mothers infected by two viruses was, respectively, 10/40 (25%) and 5/40 (12.5%) and from mothers infected by three viruses 9/20 (45%) and 2/20 (10%). One (25%) infant infected by one virus was born from the four mothers infected by four viruses. Transmission of single or dual infection was not significantly associated with the number of viruses infecting the mother (P = 0.9) in the linear regression analysis. Present study suggests the absence of a synergistic effect from viral interactions toward mother‐to‐infant transmission of multiple infections and supports the hypothesis that transmission from multi‐infected mothers is the result of the specific interaction between each virus and the host. These observations may be of clinical relevance in perinatal counseling. J. Med. Virol. 79: 743–747, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transplacental infection of coxsackievirus B3 pathological findings in the fetus
Authors: Konstantinidou Anastasia , Anninos Hector , Spanakis Nikolaos , Kotsiakis Xenophon , Syridou Garyfallia , Tsakris Athanassios , Patsouris Efstratios
Published: April 2007

Coxsackievirus intrauterine infection has been documented mostly on the basis of indirect evidence of transplacental transmission, with neonatal manifestations ranging from asymptomatic infection to meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, and generalized sepsis. This is the first report of prenatal findings and fetoplacental pathology in a third trimester fetus with coxsackie B3 transplacental infection confirmed by molecular techniques. Prenatal ultrasound detected severe reduction of fetal movements at the 27th week. Late onset fetal akinesia deformation sequence with mild arthrogryposis, necrotic meningoencephalitis with vascular calcifications, interstitial pneumonitis, mild myocardial hypertrophy, and chronic monocytic placental villitis were the cardinal findings at fetal autopsy following interruption of the pregnancy. J. Med. Virol. 79: 754–757, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viral load and genomic integration of HPV 16 in cervical samples from HIV‐1‐infected and uninfected women in Burkina Faso
Authors: Rousseau Marie‐Noelle Didelot , Costes Valérie , Konate Issouf , Nagot Nicolas , Foulongne Vincent , Ouedraogo Abdoulaye , Van de Perre Philippe , Mayaud Philippe , Segondy Michel ,   for the Yerelon Study Group
Published: April 2007

The relationships between human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) viral load, HPV 16 integration status, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) status, and cervical cytology were studied among women enrolled in a cohort of female sex workers in Burkina Faso. The study focused on 24 HPV 16‐infected women. The HPV 16 viral load in cervical samples was determined by real‐time PCR. Integration ratio was estimated as the ratio between E2 and E6 genes DNA copy numbers. Integrated HPV16 viral load was defined as the product of HPV 16 viral load by the integration ratio. High HPV 16 viral load and high integration ratio were more frequent among women with squamous intraepithelial lesions compared with women with normal cytology (33% vs. 11%, and 33% vs. 0%, respectively), and among women with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions compared with women without high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (50% vs. 17%, and 50% vs. 11%, respectively). High HPV 16 DNA load, but not high integration ratio, was also more frequent among HIV‐1‐positive women (39% vs. 9%; and 23% vs. 18%, respectively). The absence of statistical significance of these differences might be explained by the small study sample size. High‐integrated HPV 16 DNA load was significantly associated with the presence of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (50% vs. 5%, P = 0.03) in univariate and multivariate analysis (adjusted odds‐ratio: 19.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–328.3, P = 0.03), but not with HIV‐1 or other high‐risk HPV types (HR‐HPV). Integrated HPV 16 DNA load may be considered as a useful marker of high‐grade cervical lesions in HPV 16‐infected women. J. Med. Virol. 79: 766–770, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variability of the fusion protein and circulation patterns of genotypes of the respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Kim Yun‐Kyung , Choi Eun‐Hwa , Lee Hoan‐Jong
Published: April 2007

Although antigenic and genetic variations were shown to occur both in the G and F protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), few studies looked at the variation of F gene. The F genotypes were determined by the evaluation of clustering patterns, via the phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of a variable region in the F gene. One hundred seventy‐nine strains obtained from a children's hospital in Korea over nine consecutive epidemics were included. The relationship between the F and G genotypes was analyzed with the G genotypes previously published by the authors. The phylogenetic analysis of the variable region from the F gene revealed 9 genotypes among 129 group A RSVs and 4 genotypes among 50 group B RSVs. In each of the epidemics, the dominant genotypes were replaced with new genotypes in consecutive epidemics. In each of the epidemics of group B RSVs, the predominant genotype alternated between genotypes. Most of the strains which clustered to a particular F genotype were assigned to particular G genotype(s). By determining the nearly entire sequences of the F genes, we revealed the percentage of the nucleotide differences which resulted in amino acid coding changes was determined to be much great in two distinct variable regions of the F gene. Our results indicated that the F gene of the RSVs may be continuously evolving under selective pressure in a distinct pattern, and that the genetic variability of the F protein is associated with that of the G protein. J. Med. Virol. 79: 820–828, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased susceptibility of human respiratory syncytial virus to neutralization by anti‐fusion protein antibodies on adaptation to replication in cell culture
Authors: Marsh R. , Connor A. , Gias E. , Toms G.L.
Published: April 2007

Subgroup A respiratory syncytial viruses present in respiratory secretions and low passage level cell culture isolates were found to be markedly less susceptible to neutralization with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the F glycoprotein than the cell culture adapted A2 virus strain. Low passage virus isolates collected over a 20 year period and belonging to several sub‐group A lineages were refractory to neutralization with antibodies recognizing two major neutralizing antigenic sites located sub‐terminally at opposite ends of the F1 glycoprotein sub‐unit. On further passage in cell culture, virus isolates exhibited both increased infectivity titers and increased susceptibility to neutralization by antibodies to both antigenic sites. The consensus nucleotide sequence of the membrane associated proteins M and of the SH, G and F glycoprotein genes, and their intergenic regions were compared for neutralization resistant and susceptible stocks of one virus strain, R17532. No changes were observed in the known monoclonal antibody epitopes on the F glycoprotein. In line with this, the increase in susceptibility was not found to be associated with any increased binding of monoclonal antibody to isolated F glycoprotein in a BIAcore™ assay, thus excluding the possibility that passage in cell culture selected for viruses with mutations in the antibody binding sites. M and SH genes were conserved but a number of sites in the G and F glycoprotein genes were found to vary on adaptation to cell culture suggesting that change in susceptibility to neutralization was associated with a change in the prevalent quasispecies present in the virus population. The genetic basis of phenotypic change in susceptibility remains to be determined. J. Med. Virol. 79: 829–837, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the rat urokinase plasminogen activator receptor promoter in PC12 cells
Authors: Su Feng , Kozak Katherine R. , Herschman Harvey , Reddy Srinivasa T. , Farias‐Eisner Robin
Published: April 2007

Rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells treated with nerve growth factor (NGF) extend “neurites” and initiate a neuronal differentiation pathway. Although neurotrophins, growth factors [e.g., epidermal growth factor (EGF)], and other ligands induce many common primary response genes (PRGs) in PC12 cells, a unique PRG subset is induced preferentially by NGF. Expression of one NGF preferentially induced gene, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (UPAR), is required for NGF‐induced neurite extension and neuronal differentiation. A 2.1‐kb fragment of the rat UPAR 5′ regulatory region confers differential expression by NGF versus EGF, following transfection of a luciferase reporter construct into PC12 cells. Deletion studies identified a region between −100 and −50 nucleotides from the transcription start site as the region conferring preferential NGF induction. Sequence comparisons among rat, human, and murine UPAR promoters identified two common potential regulatory regions. Site‐directed mutation identified an activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) region between −66 and −72 bp, required for luciferase reporter activation by NGF. Electrophoretic mobility shift and antibody supershift assays demonstrated that specific Fos and Jun family members preferentially bind to this site following NGF treatment. We conclude that preferential activation of transcription factor binding at this AP‐1 site mediates preferential NGF activation of the UPAR gene. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
c‐Jun phosphorylation in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Thakur Akanksha , Wang Xinglong , Siedlak Sandra L. , Perry George , Smith Mark A. , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: April 2007

The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway is known to be activated by oxidative stress and can lead to either defensive‐protective adaptations in the cell or apoptosis. The JNK pathway is activated in Alzheimer disease (AD), as demonstrated in studies showing higher levels of phospho‐JNK in affected neurons in AD brains than in controls. c‐Jun, a transcription factor, is the downstream effector of JNK, whose activation requires phosphorylation of Ser63/Ser73. In this study, we characterized and compared the localization of c‐Jun phosphorylated at either Ser63 or Ser73 in the hippocampi of AD cases with that in age‐matched controls. Phospho‐c‐Jun (Ser73) was found to be strongly associated with neurofibrillary tangles and granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) in addition to the nuclei in neurons in the hippocampal regions of the AD brain, but was virtually absent in most controls. Phospho‐c‐Jun (Ser63) was also found to be associated with GVD in AD brains. Indeed, phospho‐c‐Jun (Ser73) immunostaining was much more extensive than that of phospho‐c‐Jun (Ser63), with all the phospho‐c‐Jun (Ser63)–positive neurons also being phospho‐c‐Jun (Ser73) positive. Significant overlap between phospho‐c‐Jun and phospho‐JNK suggested a mechanistic link. In addition, the neurons showing increased levels of phospho‐c‐Jun (Ser73) in the cytoplasmic GVD were negative for TUNEL, suggesting a mechanism protecting the cells from death. Overall, this study demonstrated specific alterations in c‐Jun phosphorylation and distribution in AD which is not necessarily linked to apoptosis but rather may represent an adaptation process in the face of oxidative stress. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic interactions between glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems are mediated through D1 dopamine receptors
Authors: Rodrigues Tiago B. , Granado Noelia , Ortiz Oskar , Cerdán Sebastián , Moratalla Rosario
Published: April 2007

Interactions between the dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission systems were investigated in the adult brain of wild‐type (WT) and transgenic mice lacking the dopamine D1 or D2 receptor subtypes. Activity of the glutamine cycle was evaluated by using 13C NMR spectroscopy, and striatal activity was assessed by c‐Fos expression and motor coordination. Brain extracts from (1,2‐13C2) acetate‐infused mice were prepared and analyzed by 13C NMR to determine the incorporation of the label into the C4 and C5 carbons of glutamate and glutamine. D1R−/− mice showed a significantly higher concentration of cerebral (4,5‐13C2) glutamine, consistent with an increased activity of the glutamate‐glutamine cycle and of glutamatergic neurotransmission. Conversely, D2R−/− mice did not show any significant changes in (4,5‐13C2) glutamate or (4,5‐13C2) glutamine, suggesting that alterations in glutamine metabolism are mediated through D1 receptors. This was confirmed with D1R−/− and WT mice treated with reserpine, a dopamine‐depleting drug, or with reserpine followed by L‐DOPA, a dopamine precursor. Exposure to reserpine increased (4,5‐13C2) glutamine in WT to levels similar to those found in untreated D1R−/− mice. These values were the same as those reached in the reserpine‐treated D1R−/− mice. Treatment of WT animals with L‐DOPA returned (4,5‐13C2) glutamine levels to normal, but this was not verified in D1R−/− animals. Reserpine impaired motor coordination and decreased c‐Fos expression, whereas L‐DOPA restored both variables to normal values in WT but not in D1R−/−. Together, our results reveal novel neurometabolic interactions between glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems that are mediated through the D1, but not the D2, dopamine receptor subtype. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation of the NR1 but not the NR2 subunits of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor induced by inhibition of the N‐glycosylation in cortical neurons
Authors: Gascón Sergio , García‐Gallo Mónica , Renart Jaime , Díaz‐Guerra Margarita
Published: April 2007

The N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is fundamental to normal and pathological functioning of neurons. The receptor subunits are N‐glycosylated proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that fold, mature, and oligomerize as they transit through the secretory pathway. Although the early processes of biogenesis are fundamental to NMDAR expression and function, our knowledge of them is nevertheless limited. Additionally, the investigation of NMDAR synthesis is highly relevant, in that ER dysfunction, frequently associated with acute and degenerative brain diseases, might alter this process. We characterize here the effect of ER stress produced by inhibition of N‐glycosylation on NMDAR synthesis and function. We use first heterologous systems of NMDAR expression in which NR1 and NR2A subunits are synthesized in nonneuronal cells. The function of these NMDARs as Ca2+ channels is repressed by tunicamycin, because of the inhibition of NR1, but no NR2A, synthesis. The regulation of NR1 is relevant to the central nervous system, in that a dramatic decrease in synthesis of this subunit and assembly of NMDARs is observed in cortical neurons treated with tunicamycin. The inhibition of NR1 synthesis is not due to changes in levels of mRNA but associated with the earliest stages in NMDAR biogenesis. The inhibition of N‐glycosylation activates ER‐specific stress responses in neurons, which include the ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) mechanism responsible for differential and extremely efficient degradation of nonglycosylated NR1 by the proteasome after ubiquitination. Because this is an obligatory NMDAR component, the significant sensitivity of NR1 to ER stress will have important consequences on receptor function. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of robotic milling on periprosthetic bone remodeling
Authors: Hananouchi Takehito , Sugano Nobuhiko , Nishii Takashi , Nakamura Nobuo , Miki Hidenobu , Kakimoto Akihiro , Yamamura Mitsuyoshi , Yoshikawa Hideki
Published: April 2007

The ROBODOC system has provided better fit and fill of the stem and less destruction of the bony architecture than with manual surgery. These benefits might affect femoral periprosthetic bone remodeling. We evaluated the effects of robotic milling in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a longitudinal 24‐month follow‐up study using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and plain radiographs of 29 patients (31 hips) after ROBODOC THA and 24 patients (27 hips) after manual THA with the same stem design. To minimize the influence of other factors on bone remodeling, only female osteoarthritis patients, who had no drugs that might affect bone metabolism were enrolled. Significantly less bone loss occurred at the proximal periprosthetic areas in the ROBODOC group. In zone 1, the decrease was 15.5 versus 29.9% using conventional rasping; in zone 7, the loss was 17.0% with ROBODOC compared to 30.5% with conventional rasping (p < 0.05). On radiographs, endosteal spot welds in the proximal medial portion were more pronounced in the ROBODOC group (48 vs. 11% in the conventional group, p < 0.05). Our results suggest that robotic milling is effective in facilitating proximal load transfer around the femoral component and minimizing bone loss after cementless THA. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1062–1069, 2007
Microwave‐assisted extraction of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside from flaxseed hull
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Xu Shiying
Published: April 2007

Microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) from defatted flaxseed hull (DFH) was studied. The effects of pre‐soaking methods and extraction parameters (ethanol concentration (0–100%, v/v), microwave energy input (50–390 W), liquid to solid ratio (5:1 to 40:1, mL g−1) and irradiation time (10–330 s)) on the SDG yield were investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimise the MAE conditions as irradiation time 90.5 s, ethanol concentration 40.9% (v/v), liquid to solid ratio 21.9:1 (mL g−1) and microwave power 130 W. The SDG recovery from DFH with MAE was 11.7 g SECO kg−1 DFH (on dry‐weight basis), which was significantly higher than that of stirring extraction (10.0 g SECO kg−1 DFH) and Soxhlet extraction (7.60 g SECO kg−1 DFH). Compared with stirring extraction and Soxhlet extraction, MAE showed its superiority in improving SDG yield and saving time and energy. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Body contouring by non‐invasive transdermal focused ultrasound
Authors: Moreno‐Moraga J. , Valero‐Altés T. , Riquelme A. Martínez , Isarria‐Marcosy M.I. , de la Torre J. Royo
Published: April 2007

Background and Objectives

The risks of currently available invasive procedures in body contouring motivate a need for safer, non‐invasive technologies for improving the appearance of body silhouette. A new device has been developed that uses focused therapeutic ultrasound to reduce adipose tissue non‐invasively. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel non‐invasive focused ultrasound system (UltraShape Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel) in reducing localized fat deposits to improve body contours.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

A prospective study was conducted on 30 healthy patients. All patients underwent three treatments, at 1‐month intervals, and were followed for 1 month after the last treatment. Areas treated were the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, flanks, inner knees, and breasts (males only). No other body contouring procedure was used during the study. Efficacy was determined by change in fat thickness, assessed by ultrasound measurements, and by circumference measurements. Weight change was monitored to assess whether reduction in fat thickness or circumference was dependent on or independent of weight loss. Safety was determined by clinical findings, assays of serum triglycerides, and liver ultrasound evaluation for the presence of steatosis.

Results

All patients showed significant reduction in subcutaneous fat thickness within the treated area. The mean reduction in fat thickness after three treatments was 2.28±0.80 cm. Circumference was reduced by a mean of 3.95±1.99 cm. Weight was unchanged during the treatment and follow‐up period. No adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

This study shows the efficacy and safety of focused ultrasound, using the UltraShape™ Contour I, as a non‐invasive transdermal method for reducing unwanted fat deposits in the body. Multiple treatments combined with appropriate patient and treatment area selection can produce dramatic improvements in body contour. Lasers Surg. Med. 39: 315–323, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cultured epithelial cells response to phototherapy with low intensity laser
Authors: Eduardo Fernanda P. , Mehnert Dolores U. , Monezi Telma A. , Zezell Denise M. , Schubert Mark M. , Eduardo Carlos P. , Marques Márcia M.
Published: April 2007

Background and Objectives

Little is known about the intracellular response of epithelial cells to phototherapy. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the effect of phototherapy with low‐energy lasers with different wavelengths and powers on cultured epithelial cell growth under different nutritional conditions.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Epithelial cell cultures (Vero cell line) grown in nutritional deficit in culture medium supplemented with 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS) were irradiated with low‐energy laser from one to three times with a GaAlAs laser (660 nm) and InGaAlP (780 nm), 40 and 70 mW, respectively, with 3 or 5 J/cm2. Cell growth was indirectly assessed by measuring the cell mitochondrial activity.

Results

Nonirradiated cell cultures grown in nutritional regular medium supplemented with 10% FBS produced higher cell growth than all cultures grown in nutritional deficit irradiated or not. The overall cell growth of cultures grown under nutritionally deficit conditions was significantly improved especially when irradiated with 780 nm for three times.

Conclusions

Phototherapy with the laser parameters tested increases epithelial cell growth rate for cells stressed by growth under nutritionally deficient states. This cell growth improvement is directly proportional to the number of irradiations; however, was not enough to reach the full cell growth potential rate of Vero epithelial cell line observed when growing under nutritional regular condition. Lasers Surg. Med. 39: 365–372, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photothermolysis of blood vessels using indocyanine green and pulsed diode laser irradiation in the dorsal skinfold chamber model
Authors: Babilas Philipp , Shafirstein Gal , Baier Jürgen , Schacht Vivien , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus , Landthaler Michael , Bäumler Wolfgang , Abels Christoph
Published: April 2007

Background and Objective

For the treatment of vascular lesions, the use of laser light absorbed by the endogenous chromophore hemoglobin may still be improved.

Materials and Methods

Laser treatment (λem = 805 nm; fluence rate: 106 kW/cm2; fluence: 3.2 J/cm2 (3 milliseconds)), of blood vessels directly after i.v. application of indocyanine green (ICG) (ICG‐concentration: 0, 2, or 4 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) (n = 14,117) was investigated in the skinfold chamber model. Vessel diameters (1–351 µm) were measured using intravital fluorescence microscopy up to 24 hours following irradiation. Histology was taken 1 or 24 hours after irradiation. Results were compared to a mathematical model based on the finite element method.

Results

The reduction of blood vessel perfusion was proportional to ICG‐concentration and pulse duration; only a 30 milliseconds pulse duration (2 or 4 mg/kg b.w. ICG‐concentration) induced a loss of perfusion even of blood vessels with a diameter <30 µm. Histology revealed photocoagulation of blood vessels up to 24 hours. Results were in agreement with mathematical calculations.

Conclusion

ICG‐mediated laser irradiation induces irreversible photocoagulation of blood vessels of all diameters in this model. Lasers Surg. Med. 39: 341–352, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐level laser irradiation (LLLI) promotes proliferation of mesenchymal and cardiac stem cells in culture
Authors: Tuby Hana , Maltz Lidya , Oron Uri
Published: April 2007

Background and Objectives

Low‐level laser irradiation (LLLI) was found to promote the proliferation of various types of cells in vitro. Stem cells in general are of significance for implantation in regenerative medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LLLI on the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cardiac stem cells (CSCs).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Isolation of MSCs and CSCs was performed. The cells were cultured and laser irradiation was applied at energy densities of 1 and 3 J/cm2.

Results

The number of MSCs and CSCs up to 2 and 4 weeks respectively, post‐LLLI demonstrated a significant increase in the laser‐treated cultures as compared to the control.

Conclusion

The present study clearly demonstrates the ability of LLLI to promote proliferation of MSCs and CSCs in vitro. These results may have an important impact on regenerative medicine. Lasers Surg. Med. 39: 373–378, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ionic‐Strength‐ and pH‐Responsive Poly[acrylamide‐co‐(maleic acid)] Hydrogel Nanofibers
Authors: Liu Haiqing , Zhen Mao , Wu Renhuang
Published: April 2007

A novel acrylamide/maleic acid copolymer [P(AM‐MA)] hydrogel nanofibrous membrane with a fiber diameter of ca. 120 nm is prepared by electrospinning an aqueous P(AM‐MA) solution with diethylene glycol as crosslinker, followed by a heat‐induced esterification crosslinking reaction at 145 °C. This hydrogel nanofiber can maintain a fiber form, but becomes distorted and merges to form many physical crosslinking points after immersion in water. The P(AM‐MA) hydrogel nanofibers are sensitive to external stimuli ionic strength and pH. Their water‐swelling ratio decreases with increasing solution ionic strength, and it shows a characteristic two‐step increase at pH = 2.5 and 8.5 in response to the increase of solution pH. The maximum water‐swelling ratios of the P(AM‐MA) hydrogel nanofibers are 18.1 and 22.5 g · g−1 in a solution of 0.05 mol · dm−3 ionic strength and in an aqueous solution of pH 11, respectively.

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Polymers from Multifunctional Isocyanates, 15
Authors: Mormann Werner , Wezstein Markus
Published: April 2007

N‐(4‐cyanatophenyl)maleimide and 2‐isocyanato propene were copolymerised to give an alternating copolymer, which is the first example of a polymer having an isocyanate as well as a cyanate reactive functional group in the repeating unit. The polymer analogous reaction with methanol proceeded selectively at the isocyanate groups. Crosslinking of the cyanate‐urethane copolymers by cyclotrimerisation of cyanate groups occurred at elevated temperature. Reaction with dibutylamine at 20 °C led to complete reaction of both the cyanate and isocyanate moieties in a non‐selective manner.

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Controlled Synthesis and Characterization of Poly[ethylene‐block‐(L,L‐lactide)]s by Combining Catalytic Ethylene Oligomerization with “Coordination‐Insertion” Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Ring Jochen O. , Thomann Ralf , Mülhaupt Rolf , Raquez Jean‐Marie , Degée Philippe , Dubois Philippe
Published: April 2007

Model poly[ethylene‐block‐(L,L‐lactide)] (PE‐block‐PLA) block copolymers were successfully synthesized by combining metallocene catalyzed ethylene oligomerization with ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L,L‐lactide (LA). Hydroxy‐terminated polyethylene (PE‐OH) macroinitiator was prepared by means of ethylene oligomerization on rac‐dimethyl‐silylen‐bis(2‐methyl‐benz[e]indenyl)‐zirconium(IV)‐dichloride/methylaluminoxane (rac‐MBI/MAO) in presence of diethyl zinc as a chain transfer agent, and subsequent in situ oxidation with synthetic air. Poly[ethylene‐block‐(L,L‐lactide)] block copolymers were obtained via ring‐opening polymerization of LA initiated by PE‐OH in toluene at 100 °C mediated by tin octoate. The formation of block copolymers was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, fractionation experiments, thermal behavior, and morphological characterization using AFM and light microscopy techniques.

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Carboxybetaine Polymer‐Protected Gold Nanoparticles: High Dispersion Stability and Resistance against Non‐Specific Adsorption of Proteins
Authors: Matsuura Kazuhiro , Ohno Kohji , Kagaya Shigehiro , Kitano Hiromi
Published: April 2007

1‐Carboxy‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(2′‐methacryloyloxyethyl)methanaminium inner salt (CMB) was polymerized by ATRP initiated with a disulfide difunctionalized by 2‐bromoisobutyryl groups. The disulfide‐carrying carboxybetaine polymer (DT‐PCMB) was used for the preparation of PCMB‐protected gold nanoparticles (PCMB‐AuNPs) obtained by the reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (HAuCl4) in the presence of the DT‐PCMB of different molecular weights at different molar ratios of DT‐PCMB and HAuCl4. The sizes of gold cores in the PCMB‐AuNPs tended to increase upon decreasing concentration and molecular weight of the DT‐PCMB. The PCMB‐AuNPs possessed a high dispersion stability, and showed a resistance against non‐specific adsorption of proteins (bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin, lysozyme, and cytochrome c). Therefore, DT‐PCMB is a quite suitable stabilizing ligand to prepare inert AuNPs and the PCMB‐AuNPs will be useful in biomedical applications.

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On the perturbation theory of instable isolated eigenvalues
Authors: Demuth M.
Published: April 2007

The problem of the perturbation of an operator having a continuous spectrum and an isolated eigenvalue λ0 is considered by means of the theory on embedded eigenvalues. The perturbation is divided up into two parts. One part is used for embedding the isolated eigenvalue λ0. This embedded eigenvalue becomes instable by the second part of the perturbation and spectral concentration is given near λ0. The general model is illustrated by a simple example.
In‐Situ Polymerization at the Interface of Micelles: A Novel Method to Control Functionality and Morphology
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Mingming , Zhao Hanying
Published: April 2007

A new method to control the morphology and functionality of micelles is reported. Triblock copolymer micelles with atom transfer radical polymerization initiators at the interface are prepared in aqueous solution. After in‐situ polymerization at the interface, the structures of the interface and corona change, and micelles with PDMAEMA‐PEG comb–coil coronal chains are obtained. In aqueous solution, the pH exerts an influence on the morphology of the micelles. The coronal chains adopt different conformations at different pH values. Upon drying, the two coronal chains phase separate and form nanometer‐sized domains.

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Sialic Acid Engineering of Thin Hydrogel Membranes
Authors: Woerly Stéphane , Fort Sébastien , Heyraud Alain
Published: April 2007

We report the synthesis of glycosylated hydrogel membranes of poly{[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]‐co‐(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)} with the aim of developing bioactivated polymer substrates for cell culture. 3′‐Sialyllactose, the saccharidic portion of the GM3 ganglioside involved in cell‐cell recognition over a wide range of biological processes, was chemically modified with an acrylate group and incorporated into the growing macromolecular network of hydrogels by free radical crosslinking copolymerization. The incorporation and accessibility of the sialic acid residues at the hydrogel surface was verified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay using mouse monoclonal anti‐GM3, and by electron microscopy after labeling with lectin‐gold nanoparticles. The water content was further characterized by thermogravimetry.

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Clinical multishot DW‐EPI through parallel imaging with considerations of susceptibility, motion, and noise
Authors: Skare Stefan , Newbould Rexford D. , Clayton David B. , Albers Gregory W. , Nagle Scott , Bammer Roland
Published: April 2007

Geometric distortions and poor image resolution are well known shortcomings of single‐shot echo‐planar imaging (ss‐EPI). Yet, due to the motion immunity of ss‐EPI, it remains the most common sequence for diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). Moreover, both navigated DW interleaved EPI (iEPI) and parallel imaging (PI) methods, such as sensitivity encoding (SENSE) and generalized autocalibrating parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA), can improve the image quality in EPI. In this work, DW‐EPI accelerated by PI is proposed as a self‐calibrated and unnavigated form of interleaved acquisition. The PI calibration is performed on the b = 0 s/mm2 data and applied to each shot in the rest of the DW data set, followed by magnitude averaging. Central in this study is the comparison of GRAPPA and SENSE in the presence of off‐resonances and motion. The results show that GRAPPA is more robust than SENSE against both off‐resonance and motion‐related artifacts. The SNR efficiency was also investigated, and it is shown that the SNR/scan time ratio is equally high for one‐ to three‐shot high‐resolution diffusion scans due to the shortened EPI readout train length. The image quality improvements without SNR efficiency loss, together with motion tolerance, make the GRAPPA‐driven DW‐EPI sequence clinically attractive. Magn Reson Med 57:881–890, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging shows fatty deposition after myocardial infarction
Authors: Goldfarb James W. , Arnold Sheeba , Roth Marguerite , Han Jing
Published: April 2007

Pathologic studies have shown an increased lipid content in areas of myocardial infarction (MI). We sought to show the ability of precontrast T1‐weighted MRI to noninvasively detect fat deposition in MI and show its association with infarct age. Thirty‐two patients with MI were studied. Precontrast inversion‐recovery (IR) cine steady‐state free precession (SSFP) imaging was used to generate both fat‐ and muscle‐nulled images to locate areas of fat deposition in the left ventricular (LV) myocardium. Postcontrast delayed hyperenhanced (DHE) imaging was also performed. Image contrast in regions of MI on precontrast images and postcontrast DHE images was measured. The association of image contrast with infarct age was determined by means of correlations and Student's t‐test. We found a significant association between infarct age and image contrast in both fat‐ and muscle‐nulled images. Precontrast T1‐weighted MRI is a promising method for detecting myocardial fat deposition in chronic MI, and can be used to assess myocardial infarct age. Magn Reson Med 57:828–834, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T2 measurement of the human myocardium using a T2‐prepared transient‐state trueFISP sequence
Authors: Huang Teng‐Yi , Liu Yi‐Jui , Stemmer Alto , Poncelet Brigitte P.
Published: April 2007

A fast and motion‐insensitive technique suitable for myocardial BOLD contrast imaging is presented. The method, termed T2‐TrueFISP, combines T2 magnetization preparation with steady‐state free precession (SSFP) imaging for T2 relaxation mapping of the myocardium in healthy volunteers. The T2 contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was optimized with the use of transient‐state TrueFISP readout and half‐Fourier readout with linear phase encoding. Single‐slice myocardial T2‐weighted image was obtained within one heartbeat, and a single slice T2 map of the myocardium was obtained in under 5–7 s. A respiratory navigator‐gating method was incorporated for serial measurements and signal averaging, with the subjects breathing freely. The mean myocardial T2 relaxation time measured in 12 healthy volunteers was 54 ± 5.7 ms. Regional variations of T2 values across the myocardium were 7%. Temporal variations across serial T2 measurements in a transmural region covering ∼0.5 cc of the left ventricular (LV) wall were 3.6% without signal averaging (number of excitations (NEX) = 1) and 1.7% with signal averaging (NEX = 10). According to our preliminary results, the T2‐TrueFISP method is expected to provide a robust and sensitive tool for clinical application of myocardial BOLD contrast imaging. Magn Reson Med 57:960–966, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo imaging of changes in tumor oxygenation during growth and after treatment
Authors: Bratasz Anna , Pandian Ramasamy P. , Deng Yuanmu , Petryakov Sergey , Grecula John C. , Gupta Nilendu , Kuppusamy Periannan
Published: April 2007

A novel procedure for in vivo imaging of the oxygen partial pressure (pO2) in implanted tumors is reported. The procedure uses electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) of oxygen‐sensing nanoprobes embedded in the tumor cells. Unlike existing methods of pO2 quantification, wherein the probes are physically inserted at the time of measurement, the new approach uses cells that are preinternalized (labeled) with the oxygen‐sensing probes, which become permanently embedded in the developed tumor. Radiation‐induced fibrosarcoma (RIF‐1) cells, internalized with nanoprobes of lithium octa‐n‐butoxy‐naphthalocyanine (LiNc‐BuO), were allowed to grow as a solid tumor. In vivo imaging of the growing tumor showed a heterogeneous distribution of the spin probe, as well as oxygenation in the tumor volume. The pO2 images obtained after the tumors were exposed to a single dose of 30‐Gy X‐radiation showed marked redistribution as well as an overall increase in tissue oxygenation, with a maximum increase 6 hr after irradiation. However, larger tumors with a poorly perfused core showed no significant changes in oxygenation. In summary, the use of in vivo EPR technology with embedded oxygen‐sensitive nanoprobes enabled noninvasive visualization of dynamic changes in the intracellular pO2 of growing and irradiated tumors. Magn Reson Med 57:950–959, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct magnetic resonance imaging of histological tissue samples at 3.0T
Authors: Meadowcroft Mark D. , Zhang Shutong , Liu Wanzhan , Park Bu Sik , Connor James R. , Collins Christopher M. , Smith Michael B. , Yang Qing X.
Published: April 2007

Direct imaging of a histological slice is challenging. The vast difference in dimension between planar size and the thickness of histology slices would require an RF coil to produce a uniform RF magnetic (B1) field in a 2D plane with minimal thickness. In this work a novel RF coil designed specifically for imaging a histology slice was developed and tested. The experimental data demonstrate that the coil is highly sensitive and capable of producing a uniform B1 field distribution in a planar region of histological slides, allowing for the acquisition of high‐resolution T2 images and T2 maps from a 60‐μm‐thick histological sample. The image intensity and T2 distributions were directly compared with histological staining of the relative iron concentration of the same slice. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using a microimaging histological coil to image thin slices of pathologically diseased tissue to obtain a precise one‐to‐one comparison between stained tissue and MR images. Magn Reson Med 57:835–841, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reconstruction of undersampled dynamic images by modeling the motion of object elements
Authors: Prieto Claudia , Batchelor Philip G. , Hill D.L.G. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Guarini Marcelo , Irarrazaval Pablo
Published: April 2007

Dynamic MRI is restricted due to the time required to obtain enough data to reconstruct the image sequence. Several undersampled reconstruction techniques have been proposed to reduce the acquisition time. In most of these techniques the nonacquired data are recovered by modeling the temporal information as varying pixel intensities represented in time or in temporal frequencies. Here we propose a new approach that recovers the missing data through a motion estimation of the object elements (“obels,” or pieces of tissue) of the image. This method assumes that an obel displacement through the sequence has lower bandwidth than fluctuations in pixel intensities caused by the motion, and thus it can be modeled with fewer parameters. Preliminary results show that this technique can effectively reconstruct (with root mean square (RMS) errors below 4%) cardiac images and joints with undersampling factors of 8 and 4, respectively. Moreover, in the reconstruction process an approximation of the motion vectors is obtained for each obel, which can be used to quantify dynamic information. In this method the motion need not be confined to a part of the field of view (FOV) or to a portion of the temporal frequency. It is appropriate for dynamic studies in which the obels' motion model has fewer parameters than the number of acquired samples. Magn Reson Med 57:939–949, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.