bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphogenesis of the primitive gut tube is generated by Rho/ROCK/myosin II–mediated endoderm rearrangements
Authors: Reed Rachel A. , Womble Mandy A. , Dush Michel K. , Tull Rhesa R. , Bloom Stephanie K. , Morckel Allison R. , Devlin Edward W. , Nascone‐Yoder Nanette M.
Published: November 2009

During digestive organogenesis, the primitive gut tube (PGT) undergoes dramatic elongation and forms a lumen lined by a single‐layer of epithelium. In Xenopus, endoderm cells in the core of the PGT rearrange during gut elongation, but the morphogenetic mechanisms controlling their reorganization are undetermined. Here, we define the dynamic changes in endoderm cell shape, polarity, and tissue architecture that underlie Xenopus gut morphogenesis. Gut endoderm cells intercalate radially, between their anterior and posterior neighbors, transforming the nearly solid endoderm core into a single layer of epithelium while concomitantly eliciting “radially convergent” extension within the gut walls. Inhibition of Rho/ROCK/Myosin II activity prevents endoderm rearrangements and consequently perturbs both gut elongation and digestive epithelial morphogenesis. Our results suggest that the cellular and molecular events driving tissue elongation in the PGT are mechanistically analogous to those that function during gastrulation, but occur within a novel cylindrical geometry to generate an epithelial‐lined tube. Developmental Dynamics 238:3111–3125, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo imaging of the cyclic changes in cross‐sectional shape of the ventricular segment of pulsating embryonic chick hearts at stages 14 to 17: A contribution to the understanding of the ontogenesis of cardiac pumping function
Authors: Männer Jörg , Thrane Lars , Norozi Kambiz , Yelbuz T. Mesud
Published: November 2009

The cardiac cycle‐related deformations of tubular embryonic hearts were traditionally described as concentric narrowing and widening of a tube of circular cross‐section. Using optical coherence tomography (OCT), we have recently shown that, during the cardiac cycle, only the myocardial tube undergoes concentric narrowing and widening while the endocardial tube undergoes eccentric narrowing and widening, having an elliptic cross‐section at end‐diastole and a slit‐shaped cross‐section at end‐systole. Due to technical limitations, these analyses were confined to early stages of ventricular development (chick embryos, stages 10–13). Using a modified OCT‐system, we now document, for the first time, the cyclic changes in cross‐sectional shape of beating embryonic ventricles at stages 14 to 17. We show that during these stages (1) a large area of diminished cardiac jelly appears at the outer curvature of the ventricular region associated with formation of endocardial pouches; (2) the ventricular endocardial lumen acquires a bell‐shaped cross‐section at end‐diastole and becomes compressed like a fireplace bellows during systole; (3) the contracting portions of the embryonic ventricles display stretching along its baso‐apical axis at end‐systole. The functional significance of our data is discussed with respect to early cardiac pumping function. Developmental Dynamics 238:3273–3284, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of slitrk family members in the mouse nervous system
Authors: Beaubien François , Cloutier Jean‐François
Published: November 2009

The Slitrk family of transmembrane proteins is composed of six members that are highly expressed in the nervous system. To date, the function of Slitrks during development of the nervous system has yet to be defined. The high homology between the extracellular region of Slitrks and the repulsive axon guidance molecules Slits suggests that Slitrks may regulate axon outgrowth during development. To begin to evaluate their role during development, we have examined the expression of the Slitrk genes in the developing murine nervous system using in situ hybridization. Here, we show that despite some overlap in expression, the Slitrks display distinct patterns of expression in the olfactory system, the eye, forebrain structures, the cerebellum, the spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. These diverse patterns of expression suggest that Slitrk family members may have different functions during development of the nervous system. Developmental Dynamics 238:3285–3296, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential activity of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in the embryonic mouse thalamus
Authors: Bluske Krista K. , Kawakami Yasuhiko , Koyano‐Nakagawa Naoko , Nakagawa Yasushi
Published: November 2009

In neural development, several Wnt genes are expressed in the vertebrate diencephalon, including the thalamus. However, roles of Wnt signaling in the thalamus during neurogenesis are not well understood. We examined Wnt/β‐catenin activity in embryonic mouse thalamus and found that a Wnt target gene Axin2 and reporter activity of BAT‐gal transgenic mice show similar, differential patterns within the thalamic ventricular zone, where ventral and rostral regions had lower activity than other regions. Expression of Wnt ligands and signaling components also showed complex, differential patterns. Finally, based on partially reciprocal patterns of Wnt and Shh signals in the thalamic ventricular zone, we tested if Shh signal is sufficient or necessary for the differential Axin2 expression. Analysis of mice with enhanced or reduced Shh signal showed that Axin2 expression is similar to controls. These results suggest that differential Wnt signaling may play a role in patterning the thalamus independent of Shh signaling. Developmental Dynamics 238:3297–3309, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enucleation of feeder cells and egg cells with psoralens
Authors: McGarry Thomas J. , Bonaguidi Michael , Lyass Ljuba , Kessler John A. , Bodily Jason M. , Doglio Lynn
Published: November 2009

GFP‐expressing Xenopus tadpole made by transplanting a nucleus from a transgenic CMV‐GFP blastula into an enucleated GFP(−) egg. The egg was enucleated using a new method, treatment with psoralens and ultraviolet light. See McGarry et al., Developmental Dynamics 238:2614–2621, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differentiation of Detection of Ascorbic Acid and Dehydroascorbic Acid Using Hydrodynamic Amperometry and Anodic Stripping Voltammetry on Modified Aluminum Electrodes
Authors: Pournaghi‐Azar M. H. , Dastangoo H. , Fadakar R.
Published: November 2009

An electroanalytical strategy for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), is described. A palladized Al electrode is used for hydrodynamic amperometry of AA. While the decrease of anodic stripping voltammetry current of the K2UO2[Fe(CN)6]‐Pd/Al electrode prepared in the presence of DHA was the principal of the DHA determination. The calibration graph for both methods was linear over the concentration range 1–50 μM. The detection limit was found to be 0.5 μM. Some fresh fruit juices and vegetables of trace level of AA and DHA were analyzed as the typical example of application.
Fabrication of a Sensitive Cholesterol Biosensor Based on Cobalt‐oxide Nanostructures Electrodeposited onto Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Salimi Abdollah , Hallaj Rahman , Soltanian Saied
Published: November 2009

Electrodeposited cobalt oxide (CoOx) nanomaterials are not only used for immobilization of cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) but also as electron transfer mediator for oxidation of H2O2 generated in the enzymatic reaction. Voltammetry and flow injection analysis (FIA) were used for determination of cholesterol. FIA determination of cholesterol with biosensors yielded a calibration curve with the following characteristics: linear range up to 50 μM, sensitivity of 43.5 nA μM−1 cm−2 and detection limit of 4.2 μM. The apparent Michaelis‐Menten constant and the response time of the biosensor are 0.49 mM and 15 s, respectively. This biosensor also exhibits good stability, reproducibility and long life time.
Use of Adsorptive Transfer Stripping Voltammetry for Analyzing Variations of Cytosine Methylation in DNA
Authors: Ioannou Andrea , Alexiadou Despina , Kouidou Sofia , Girousi Stella , Voulgaropoulos Anastasios
Published: November 2009

The electrochemical behavior and thermal stability of double stranded oligonucleotides containing 5‐methyl‐cytosine and 7‐deaza‐guanosine as nucleotide analogues, as well as of Jurkat genomic DNAs methylated to different degree were studied by ACV and SWV and by thernal denaturation analysis. ACV and SWV combined with thermal denaturation analysis of the natural and modified oligonucleotides gave information regarding the presence of methylation and the concomitant conformational changes. ACV and SWV of Jurkat DNA mixtures methylated to different degrees revealed a decrease of the peak heights with increasing methylation, indicating an increase of structural rigidity, in agreement with the thermal denaturation data. These results verify the, possibly local, conformational changes introduced by DNA methylation. The results obtained in all cases were reproducible.
Fabrication of a New Electrochemiluminescent Sensing Interface Based on Zinc Oxide Nanorod
Authors: Xu Meizhu , Zhao Rongrong , Wang Jian , Chen Guonan
Published: November 2009

A new electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing interface was established based on the zinc oxide nanorod in this paper. Firstly, the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod was prepared on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface by the method of constant current cathodic electrodeposition, on which the Nafion film was then modified, and finally ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) (Ru(bpy)32+) was immobilized at the ZnO nanorod/Nafion composite‐modified electrode. The sensing interface shows well ECL behaviors and perfect stability after being constant temperature treatment at 80 °C. The composite electrode was characterized by EIS, SEM and XRD. The results showed that the good stability maybe related to the water content of Nafion film.
Disposable Carbon Electrodes for Liquid Chromatographic Detection of Catecholamines in Blood Plasma Samples
Authors: Perati Pranathi R. , Cheng Jun , Jandik Petr , Hanko Valoran P.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes a comparative evaluation of disposable carbon electrodes and conventional glassy carbon electrodes. The detection of catecholamines was demonstrated in processed blood plasma and in the presence of catecholamine metabolites. Calibration plots of norepinephrine, epinephrine, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzylamine and dopamine were linear over three to four orders of magnitude with detection limits of 0.50, 0.73, 1.06, and 1.13 pg, respectively. The relative standard deviation of peak areas was ±2.3% for norepinephrine and ±5.3% for epinephrine from 30 injections of a 10 ng/mL mixed standard. Spike recoveries for norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine from human blood plasma were 86±6%, 81±5%, and 77±4%, respectively.
Selective Electrochemical Determination of Paracetamol Using Nanostructured Film of Functionalized Thiadiazole Modified Electrode
Authors: Kalimuthu Palraj , Abraham John S.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes the selective electrochemical determination of paracetamol (PA) in the presence of important interferent, ascorbic acid (AA) using an ultrathin electropolymerized film of 5‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thiol (p‐ATT) modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode in 0.20 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.20). Bare GC electrode failed to resolve the voltammetric signals of AA and PA in a mixture. On the other hand, the p‐ATT modified electrode not only separated the voltammetric signals of AA and PA but also enhanced their peak currents. We achieved the lowest detection limit of 0.34 nM (S/N=3) for PA at p‐ATT modified electrode.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Folic Acid on Carbon Paste Electrode Modified by Nickel Ions Dispersed into Poly(o‐anisidine) Film
Authors: Ojani Reza , Raoof Jahan‐Bakhsh , Zamani Saeed
Published: November 2009

Poly(o‐anisidine) (POA) was formed by successive cyclic voltammetry in monomer solution containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at the surface of carbon paste electrode. Then Ni(II) ions were incorporated to electrode by immersion of the polymeric modified electrode having amine group in 0.1 M Ni(II) ion solution. Cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric experiments were used for the electrochemical study of this modified electrode; a good redox behavior of Ni(OH)2/NiOOH couple at the surface of electrode can be observed. The capability of this modified electrode for catalytic oxidation of folic acid was demonstrated. The amount of α and surface coverage (Γ*) of the redox species and catalytic chemical reaction rate constant (k) for folic acid oxidation were calculated. The catalytic oxidation peak current of folic acid was linearly dependent on its concentration and a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range of 0.1 to 5 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994. The limit of detection (3σ) was determined as 0.091 mM. This electrocatalytic oxidation was used as simple, selective and precise voltammetric method for determination of folic acid in pharmaceutical preparations.
Effect of repeated laser microsurgical operations on laryngeal cancer prognosis
Authors: Karatzanis Alexander D. , Waldfahrer Frank , Psychogios Georgios , Hornung Joachim , Zenk Johannes , Velegrakis George A. , Iro Heinrich
Published: November 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether repeated sessions of transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM) aiming to achieve clear histologic margins carry a negative effect on the prognosis of laryngeal cancer.

Methods

This was a retrospective evaluation of 763 cases that underwent primary TLM treatment for laryngeal cancer. Cases were compared for overall survival and local control rates with respect to status of surgical margins and number of procedures necessary to achieve these margins.

Results

No significant differences were noted among cases with negative surgical margins regardless of the number of procedures necessary to achieve these margins. On the other hand, positive margins at the end of surgical treatment carried significant negative prognostic effect.

Conclusion

The prognostic effect of negative surgical margins in TLM for laryngeal cancer is significant regardless of the number of procedures required to obtain such margins. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Estrogen‐induced angiogenic factors derived from stromal and cancer cells are differently regulated by enterolactone and genistein in human breast cancer in vivo
Authors: Saarinen Niina M. , Abrahamsson Annelie , Dabrosin Charlotta
Published: November 2009

Angiogenesis is a key in cancer progression and its regulators are released both by the tumor cells and the stroma. Dietary phytoestrogens, such as the lignan enterolactone (ENL) and the isoflavone genistein (GEN), may differently affect breast cancer growth. In this study, human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) were established in mice creating a tumor with species‐specific cancer and stroma cells. Ovariectomized athymic mice supplemented with estradiol (E2) were fed basal AIN‐93G diet (BD) or BD supplemented with 100 mg/kg ENL, 100 mg/kg GEN or their combination (ENL+GEN). We show that ENL and ENL+GEN inhibited E2‐induced cancer growth and angiogenesis, whereas GEN alone did not. Microdialysis was used to sample extracellular proteins in tumors in vivo. ENL and ENL+GEN decreased both stroma‐ and cancer cell‐derived VEGF, whereas cancer cell‐derived PlGF increased. In subcutaneous Matrigel plugs in mice, ENL and ENL+GEN decreased E2‐induced endothelial cell infiltration, whereas GEN alone did not. In endothelial cells, ENL inhibited E2‐induced VEGFR‐2 expression, whereas GEN did not. These results suggest that ENL has potent effects on breast cancer growth, even in combination with GEN, by downregulating E2‐stimulated angiogenic factors derived both from the stroma and the cancer cells, whereas dietary GEN does not possess any antiestrogenic effects.
Changes and tracking of mammographic density in relation to Pike's model of breast tissue aging: a UK longitudinal study
Authors: McCormack Valerie A. , Perry Nicholas M. , Vinnicombe Sarah J. , dos Santos Silva Isabel
Published: November 2009

Percent mammographic density (PMD) is a strong marker of breast cancer risk. It may be a correlate of the rate of breast tissue aging, as proposed by Pike to explain breast cancer age‐incidence. We examined longitudinal changes in PMD in 645 breast screening attendees in London, UK, in which each had between 2 and 5 screens spanning 3–12 years at ages 50–65 years and compare these to Pike's model. Within‐woman PMD declined during these ages, with a slowing rate of decline. Annual rates of decline were 1.4% (95% confidence interval: 1.2–1.6), 0.7% (0.6–0.9) and 0.1% (–0.2 to 0.4) at ages 50, 57 and 64. Dense area declined similarly, but the absolute magnitude of the rate of increase of nondense area was almost double that of dense area. PMD dropped by 2.4% (1.4–3.4) on menopausal transition and increased by 2.4% (1.4–3.5) with the use of hormone therapy. Higher body mass index, greater parity and being Afro‐Caribbean or South Asian ethnicities were associated with lower PMD, but did not affect rate of change of PMD at these ages. Within‐woman rank correlation of PMD was 0.80 for readings taken 9 years apart. Effects of menopause and parity and the lack of effect of menarche on age‐specific PMD at these ages are consistent with the predicted determinants in Pike's model. A high degree of tracking of PMD indicates that at ages 50–65 years high‐risk women could be identified by a single early screen at age older than 50.
C3, C5, and factor B bind to chitosan without complement activation
Authors: Marchand C. , Bachand J. , Périnêt J. , Baraghis E. , Lamarre M. , Rivard G. E. , De Crescenzo G. , Hoemann C. D.
Published: November 2009

Chitosan is a polycationic and biocompatible polysaccharide composed of glucosamine and N‐acetyl glucosamine that is chemotactic for neutrophils and stimulates wound repair through mechanisms that remain unclear. It was previously shown that chitosan depletes complement proteins from plasma, suggesting that chitosan activates complement. Complement activation leads to cleavage of C5 to produce C5a, a neutrophil chemotactic factor. Here, we tested the hypothesis that chitosan generates C5a in human whole blood, citrated plasma, and serum. C5a fragment appeared in coagulating whole blood, and mixtures of chitosan‐glycerol phosphate/whole blood, in parallel with platelet and thrombin activation. However, in plasma and serum, thrombin and chitosan‐GP failed to generate C5a, although native C3, C5, and factor B adsorbed noncovalently to insoluble chitosan particles incubated in citrated plasma, serum, EDTA‐serum and methylamine‐treated plasma. By surface plasmon resonance, pure C3 adsorbed to chitosan. The profile of serum factors associating with chitosan was consistent with a model in which anionic blood proteins with a pI lower than the pK0 6.78 of chitosan (the upper limit of chitosan pKa) associate electrostatically with cationic chitosan particles. Zymosan, a yeast ghost particle, activated complement in serum and citrated plasma, but not in EDTA‐serum or methylamine plasma, to generate fluid‐phase C5a, while C3b formed covalent cross‐links with zymosan‐associated proteins and became rapidly cleaved to iC3b, with factor Bb stably associated. These data demonstrate that chitosan is a nonreactive biomaterial that does not directly activate complement, and provide a novel basis for predicting anionic serum protein–chitosan interactions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Interaction of endothelial cells with methacrylic terpolymer biomaterials
Authors: Heath Daniel E. , Cooper Stuart L.
Published: November 2009

A biomaterial system with tunable mechanical properties was synthesized through random copolymerization of hexyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and methacrylic acid. The composition, molecular weight, water absorption, glass transition temperature, and tensile properties of the polymer system were characterized, and the biocompatibility of the material was demonstrated by the ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to adhere, proliferate, and spread on the polymer surface. No difference was observed in the behavior of the endothelial cells on the materials regardless of material stiffness. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
In vitro biological response to a self‐adhesive resin cement under different curing strategies
Authors: Monteiro Gabriela Q. M. , Souza Fábio B. , Pedrosa Ricardo F. , Sales Germana C. F. , Castro Célia Maria M. B. , Fraga Simone N. , Galvão Bruno H. A. , Braz Rodivan
Published: November 2009

Self‐adhesive resin cements represents a new approach in indirect restorative dentistry, although little is known about its biological properties. The influence of the curing strategy on the biological response of a self‐adhesive resin cement (Rely‐X Unicem/3M ESPE) was evaluated through methyltetrazolium (MTT) and nitric oxide (NOx) assays. Cylindrical specimens (n = 48) were prepared and cured according to the following strategies: photoactivation with halogen light‐curing unit (LCU) Demetron/Kerr, LED LCU Radii/SDI, and chemical activation. A control group with culture medium and a group with lipopolysaccharide, employed for cells stimulation, were used for comparisons (n = 8). After 24 h of direct contact between specimens and rat alveolar macrophages, the biological response was evaluated. Statistical evaluation of the data was performed with Kruskal‐Wallis and Dunn's test (p = 0.05). The MTT test showed that the specimens cured by halogen light and chemical activation provided higher alterations on cell metabolism. For LED‐cured specimens, cell viability was compatible to the results observed in the control group. For the NOx assay, all curing methods were cytotoxic to rat macrophages. Rely‐X Unicem demonstrated different cytotoxic effects according to the curing strategy employed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Assessing peri‐implant tissue infection prevention in a percutaneous model
Authors: Perry Emily L. , Beck J. Peter , Williams Dustin L. , Bloebaum Roy D.
Published: November 2009

Background: Infection remains the main challenge to percutaneous, intramedullary osseointegrated implant technology. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a broad spectrum antimicrobial, Ceragenin™ (CSA‐13) could prevent pin track infections in a percutaneous tibial pin site in a sheep model. Methods: In 20 sheep, a smooth titanium alloy pin/implant was inserted percutaneously through the medial skin and both cortices of the proximal tibia. In 10 sheep, the pin/skin interface was treated with a CSA‐13‐embedded foam pad. Ten sheep served as controls receiving an untreated pad. At the end of 24 weeks, or if they presented with clinical signs of infection, the animals were euthanized. Histological stains were processed from soft tissue and bone, and bacterial cultures were taken from tissue, bone, and blood. In addition to clinical signs, sheep were considered infected if at least one tissue culture and/or histologically stained sample was positive. Results: Compared with the controls, CSA‐13 did not prevent pin track infection (p = 0.88). Large gaps around the pin indicated a lack of skin‐pin adhesion. Conclusions: In this application, CSA‐13 was not effective in preventing pin track infections. This study suggests that maintaining skin attachment, at the implant surface of osseointegrated implants, is essential as a primary barrier to infection. Local antimicrobial treatments should be considered a secondary barrier to bacterial invasion of the pin/skin interface and deeper tissues. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Reduction in postlaminectomy epidural adhesions in sheep using a fibrin sealant‐based medicated adhesion barrier
Authors: Richards Peter J. , Turner A. Simon , Gisler Serge M. , Kraft Susan , Nuss Katja , Mark Silke , Seim Howard B. , Schense Jason
Published: November 2009

Epidural adhesion formation is believed to be a central governing factor in the prevalence of pain after spinal surgery and is regarded as being the primary instigator of neural tethering, leading to complications during revision surgery. In this study, we assess the effectiveness and safety of fibrin sealant supplemented with tributyrin, termed Medicated Adhesion Barrier (MAB), as an alternative means of reducing the incidence of posterior spinal epidural adhesion formation. Laminectomy defects in sheep were treated with MAB, fibrin sealant alone, ADCON®Gel, or remained untreated. At 12 weeks postoperatively, the extent of fibrosis and epidural adhesion formation was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), peel‐off testing, and histological examination. Initial invitro analysis revealed that tributyrin was retained in fibrin gel in a time‐dependent manner and was an effective inhibitor of fibroblast proliferation. Treatment of sheep with MAB significantly reduced both the prevalence (p < 0.05) and tenacity (p < 0.05) of epidural adhesions. The effectiveness of MAB in preventing epidural adhesions was found to be comparable with that of ADCON®Gel. No adverse events were reported after the use of MAB. The MAB preparation seems to be an effective resorbable barrier for the prevention of epidural adhesions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Effects of a 36% tooth bleaching gel on zinc phosphate cement
Authors: Boston Daniel W. , Jefferies Steven R.
Published: November 2009

Purpose: To assess the effect of a 36% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel on the roughness, microhardness, indentation modulus, and micromorphology of zinc phosphate cement aged 24 h or 1 week, compared to cement not exposed to bleaching gel. Methods: Dynamic indentation was performed for microhardness and indentation modulus. Contact profilometry was performed for surface roughness. Scanning electron microscopy assessed micromorphology. Means for microhardness, indentation modulus, and roughness were analyzed for differences among groups (No. 1 = 24 h/control; No. 2 = 24 h/treatment; No. 3 = 1 week/control; No. 4 = 1 week/treatment). Results: Means (SD) for groups 1–4 respectively: Vickers Microhardness (HV): 34.2(8.7)a, 32.8(10.9)a, 24.8(5.0)b, 41.5(7.4)c; Indentation Modulus (EIT, GPa): 14.2(6.9)a,b, 10.6(3.6)a, 11.2(3.8)a, 14.7(2.8)b; and Surface Roughness (Ra, microns): 1.08(0.38)a, 1.21(0.55)a, 1.55(0.21)b, 1.52(0.29)b. Means labeled with the same superscript were not statistically significantly different. Scanning electron microscopy of groups 1 and 2 revealed similar details. Group 3 surfaces had plate‐like crystals not present on the group 4 surfaces. Conclusions: Bleaching gel exposure increased hardness and indentation modulus and caused limited changes in surface morphology, but the cement was not adversely affected by the bleaching protocol. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Different inflammatory responses induced by three LDL‐lowering apheresis columns
Authors: Hovland Anders , Hardersen Randolf , Sexton Joe , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Lappegård Knut Tore
Published: November 2009

Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis is well‐established in selected patients with uncontrolled LDL levels. As such treatment affects biomarkers important in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes, we systematically compared the inflammatory response induced by three LDL apheresis columns. Three patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia participated in a cross‐over study with six consecutive treatments with three different LDL apheresis columns: DL‐75 (whole blood adsorption), LA‐15 (plasma adsorption), and EC‐50W (plasma filtration). Biochemical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers, including complement activation products and 27 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were measured before and after treatment. Complement was activated through the alternative pathway. The final end product sC5b‐9 increased significantly (P < 0.01) and equally with all devices, whereas the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a were lower by use of the adsorption columns. Hs‐CRP was reduced by 77% (DL‐75), 72% (LA‐15), and 43% (EC‐50W). The cytokines were consistently either increased (IL‐1ra, IP‐10, MCP‐1), decreased (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, RANTES, PDGF, VEGF), or hardly changed (including IL‐6, IL8, MIP‐1αβ) during treatment. The changes were in general less pronounced with the adsorption columns. All columns reduced LDL significantly and to the same extent. In conclusion, three LDL‐apheresis devices with equal cholesterol‐lowering effect differed significantly with respect to the inflammatory response. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct cell–cell contact between periodontal ligament fibroblasts and osteoclast precursors synergistically increases the expression of genes related to osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Bloemen Veerle , Schoenmaker Ton , de Vries Teun J. , Everts Vincent
Published: November 2009

The formation of bone resorbing osteoclasts in vivo is orchestrated by cells of the osteoblast lineage such as periodontal ligament fibroblasts that provide the proper signals to osteoclast precursors. Although the requirement of cell–cell interactions is widely acknowledged, it is unknown whether these interactions influence the expression of genes required for osteoclastogenesis and the ultimate formation of osteoclasts. In the present study we investigated the effect of cell–cell interaction on the mRNA expression of adhesion molecules and molecules involved in osteoclast formation in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and human primary periodontal ligament fibroblasts, both as solitary cultures and in co‐culture. We further analyzed the formation of multinucleated, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) positive cells and assessed their bone resorbing abilities. Interestingly, gene expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and of osteoclastogenesis‐related genes (RANKL, RANK, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β) was highly up‐regulated in the co‐cultures compared to mono‐cultures and the 5–10‐fold up‐regulation reflected a synergistic increase due to direct cell–cell interaction. This induction strongly overpowered the effects of known osteoclastogenesis inducers 1,25(OH)2VitD3 and dexamethasone. In case of indirect cell–cell contact mRNA expression was not altered, indicating that heterotypic adhesion is required for the increase in gene expression. In addition, the number of osteoclast‐like cells that were formed in co‐culture with periodontal ligament fibroblasts was significantly augmented compared to mono‐cultures. Our data indicate that cell–cell adhesion between osteoclast precursors and periodontal ligament fibroblasts significantly modulates the cellular response which favors the expression of osteoclast differentiation genes and the ultimate formation of osteoclasts. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 565–573, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zyxin controls migration in epithelial–mesenchymal transition by mediating actin‐membrane linkages at cell–cell junctions
Authors: Sperry Rebecca Bakkevig , Bishop Nicholas H. , Bramwell Jeremy J. , Brodeur Michael N. , Carter Matthew J. , Fowler Brent T. , Lewis Zachery B. , Maxfield Steve D. , Staley Davis M. , Vellinga Ryan M. , Hansen Marc D.H.
Published: November 2009

Development is punctuated by morphogenetic rearrangements of epithelial tissues, including detachment of motile cells during epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Dramatic actin rearrangements occur as cell–cell junctions are dismantled and cells become independently motile during EMT. Characterizing dynamic actin rearrangements and identifying actin machinery driving these rearrangements is essential for understanding basic mechanisms of cell–cell junction remodeling. Using immunofluorescence and live cell imaging of scattering MDCK cells we examine dynamic actin rearrangement events during EMT and demonstrate that zyxin–VASP complexes mediate linkage of dynamic medial actin networks to adherens junction (AJ) membranes. A functional analysis of zyxin in EMT reveals its role in regulating disruption of actin membrane linkages at cell–cell junctions, altering cells' ability to fully detach and migrate independently during EMT. Expression of a constitutively active zyxin mutant results in persistent actin‐membrane linkages and cell migration without loss of cell–cell adhesion. We propose zyxin functions in morphogenetic rearrangements, maintaining collective migration by transducing individual cells' movements through AJs, thus preventing the dissociation of individual migratory cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 612–624, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suppression of ERK signaling evokes autocrine Fas‐mediated death in arachidonic acid‐treated human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells
Authors: Chen Ku‐Chung , Liu Wen‐Hsin , Chang Long‐Sen
Published: November 2009

Arachidonic acid (AA)‐induced apoptotic death of K562 cells (human chronic myeloid leukemic cells) was characteristic of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial depolarization. N‐Acetylcysteine pretreatment rescued viability of AA‐treated cells and abolished mitochondrial depolarization. In contrast to no significant changes in phospho‐JNK and phospho‐ERK levels, AA evoked notable activation of p38 MAPK. Unlike that of JNK and p38 MAPK, ERK suppression further reduced the viability of AA‐treated cells. Increases in Fas/FasL protein expression, caspase‐8 activation, the production of tBid and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential were noted with K562 cells that were treated with a combination of U0126 and AA. Down‐regulation of FADD attenuated U0126‐evoked degradation of procaspase‐8 and Bid. Abolition of p38 MAPK activation abrogated U0126‐elicited Fas/FasL up‐regulation in AA‐treated cells. U0126 pretreatment suppressed c‐Fos phosphorylation but increased p38 MAPK‐mediated c‐Jun phosphorylation. Knock‐down of c‐Fos and c‐Jun protein expression by siRNA suggested that c‐Fos counteracted the effect of c‐Jun on Fas/FasL up‐regulation. Taken together, our data indicate that AA induces the ROS/mitochondria‐dependent death pathway and blocks the ERK pathway which enhances the cytotoxicity of AA through additionally evoking an autocrine Fas‐mediated apoptotic mechanism in K562 cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 625–634, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscarinic cholinoceptor activation by pilocarpine triggers apoptosis in human skin fibroblast cells
Authors: Reina Silvia , Sterin‐Borda Leonor , Passafaro Daniela , Borda Enri
Published: November 2009

The aim of the present work was to examine the role of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) on apoptosis in human skin fibroblast cells. Neonatal human skin fibroblast cultures were stimulated with pilocarpine in the presence or absence of specific antagonists. Pilocarpine stimulates apoptosis, total inositol phosphates (InsP) accumulation and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. All these effects were inhibited by atropine, mustard hydrochloride (4‐DAMP) and pirenzepine, indicating that M1and M3mAChRs are implicated in pilocarpine action. Pilocarpine apoptotic action is accompanied by caspase‐3 and JNK activation. The intracellular pathway leading to pilocarpine‐induced biological effects involved phospholipase C, calcium/calmodulin and extracellular calcium as U‐73122, W‐7, verapamil, BAPTA and BAPTA‐AM blocked pilocarpine effects.L‐NMMA, a NOS inhibitor, had no effect, indicating that the enzyme does not participate in the apoptosis phenomenon. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the modulatory role of the parasympathetic muscarinic system on the apoptotic human skin fibroblast process. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 640–647, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A convenient purification and preconcentration of peptides with α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid matrix crystals in a pipette tip for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Řehulková Helena , Chalupová Jana , Šebela Marek , Řehulka Pavel
Published: November 2009

Peptide samples derived from enzymatic in‐gel digestion of proteins resolved by gel electrophoresis often contain high amount of salts originating from reaction and separation buffers. Different methods are used for desalting prior to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS), e.g. reversed‐phase pipette tip purification, on‐target washing, adding co‐matrices, etc. As a suitable matrix for MALDI MS of peptides, α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) is frequently used. Crystalline CHCA shows the ability to bind peptides on its surface and because it is almost insoluble in acidic water solutions, the on‐target washing of peptide samples can significantly improve MALDI MS signals. Although the common on‐target washing represents a simple, cheap and fast procedure, only a small portion of the available peptide solution is efficiently used for the subsequent MS analysis. The present approach is a combination of the on‐target washing principle carried out in a narrow‐end pipette tip (e.g. GELoader tip) and preconcentration of peptides from acidified solution by passing it through small CHCA crystals captured inside the tip on a glass microfiber frit. The results of MALDI MS analysis using CHCA‐tip peptide preconcentration are comparable with the use of homemade POROS R2 pipette tip microcolumns. Advantages and limitations of this approach are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttraumatic stress disorder, guilt, depression, and meaning in life among military veterans
Authors: Owens Gina P. , Steger Michael F. , Whitesell Allison A. , Herrera Catherine J.
Published: November 2009

Veterans of various service eras (N = 174) completed an Internet survey about combat exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, guilt, and meaning in life. Results of a hierarchical regression indicated that younger age; higher levels of combat exposure, depression, and guilt; and lower meaning in life predicted greater PTSD severity. The interaction between meaning in life and depression also was significant, with a stronger inverse relation between meaning and PTSD at lower levels of depression. Meaning in life may be an important treatment concern for veterans with PTSD symptoms, particularly at higher levels of functioning.
Newsvendor bounds and heuristics for serial supply chains with regular and expedited shipping
Authors: Zhou Sean X. , Chao Xiuli
Published: November 2009

We study an infinite‐horizon, N‐stage, serial production/inventory system with two transportation modes between stages: regular shipping and expedited shipping. The optimal inventory policy for this system is a top–down echelon base‐stock policy, which can be computed through minimizing 2N nested convex functions recursively (Lawson and Porteus, Oper Res 48 (2000), 878–893). In this article, we first present some structural properties and comparative statics for the parameters of the optimal inventory policies, we then derive simple, newsvendor‐type lower and upper bounds for the optimal control parameters. These results are used to develop near optimal heuristic solutions for the echelon base‐stock policies. Numerical studies show that the heuristic performs well. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Co‐poly(aryl ether sulfone)s containing phthalimidine moiety in the main chain
Authors: Ghosh Anindita , Maji Samarendra , Banerjee Susanta , Voit Brigitte
Published: November 2009

Several new co‐poly(arylene ether sulfone)s have been prepared by the reaction of 4,4′‐fluorodiphenyl sulfone (FDS) with different bisphenols namely 4,4′‐isopropylidenediphenol (BPA), 4,4′‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphenol (6F‐BPA), and N‐phenyl‐3,3‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidine(PA). The homo‐poly(arylene ether sulfone)s are named as 1a, 2a, and 3a. The copolymers namely 2b, 2c, 2d and 3b, 3c, 3d have been prepared, respectively, on reaction of FDS with BPA or 6F‐BPA using different molar ratios of PA such as 25, 50, and 75. The poly(aryl ether sulfone)s 1a containing PA unit in the main chain showed a very high glass transition temperature of 280°C and an outstanding thermal stability up to 510°C for 5% weight loss under synthetic air. Depending on the mole% of PA, the glass transition temperatures of the copolymers can be varied. The polymers were soluble in a wide range of organic solvents. Transparent thin films of these polymers exhibited tensile strengths upto 84 MPa and Young's modulus up to 3.16 GPa. The films of these polymers showed low water absorption of 0.24%. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of microcellular polypropylene/polystyrene blend foams with tunable cell structure
Authors: Huang Han‐Xiong , Xu Hong‐Fei
Published: November 2009

By using supercritical carbon dioxide (sc‐CO2) as the physical foaming agent, microcellular foaming was carried out in a batch process from a wide range of immiscible polypropylene/polystyrene (PP/PS) blends with 10–70 wt% PS. The blends were prepared via melt processing in a twin‐screw extruder. The cell structure, cell size, and cell density of foamed PP/PS blends were investigated and explained by combining the blend phase morphology and morphological parameters with the foaming principle. It was demonstrated that all PP/PS blends exhibit much dramatically improved foamability than the PP, and significantly decreased cell size and obviously increased cell density than the PS. Moreover, the cell structure can be tunable via changing the blend composition. Foamed PP/PS blends with up to 30 wt% PS exhibit a closed‐cell structure. Among them, foamed PP/PS 90:10 and 80:20 blends have very small mean cell diameter (0.4 and 0.7 µm) and high cell density (8.3 × 1011and 6.4 × 1011 cells/cm3). Both of blends exhibit nonuniform cell structure, in which most of small cells spread as “a string of beads.” Foamed PP/PS 70:30 blend shows the most uniform cell structure. Increase in the PS content to 50 wt% and especially 70 wt% transforms it to an irregular open‐cell structure. The cell structure of foamed PP/PS blends is strongly related to the blend phase morphology and the solubility of CO2in PP more than that in PS, which makes the PP serve as a CO2reservoir. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A reusable polymer anchored copper(II) complex catalyst for the efficient oxidation of olefins and aromatic alcohol
Authors: Islam S. M. , Mondal Paramita , Mukherjee Sanghamitra , Roy Anupam Sigha , Bhaumik Asim
Published: November 2009

A new heterogeneous Schiff base copper(II) complex was prepared by reacting amino‐polystyrene with salicylaldehyde followed by complexation with cupric chloride. The structure of this immobilized complex has been established on the basis of scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis employing atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and spectrometric methods like diffuse reflectance spectra of solid (DRS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Catalytic activity of this polymer anchored Cu(II) complex was tested by studying the oxidation of cyclohexene, styrene, and benzyl alcohol in the presence of tert‐ butylhydroperoxide as oxidant. Several parameters such as solvent, oxidant, reaction time, reaction temperature, amount of catalyst, and substrates oxidant ratio were varied to optimize the reaction condition. Under optimized reaction conditions, cyclohexene gave a maximum of 74% conversion with three major products 2‐cyclohexene‐1‐one, cyclohexene epoxide, and 2‐cyclohexene‐1‐ol. The conversions of styrene and benzylalcohol proceed with 53% and 77%, respectively. Styrene gives styrene epoxide as the major product while benzylalcohol gives benzaldehyde as the major product. The catalytic results reveal that polymer anchored copper(II) Schiff base complex can be recycled more than five times without much loss in the catalytic activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanofibrosis of uncrystallizable poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) via phase separation
Authors: Yang Xiao Ping , Li Xiao Li , Zhang Lei , Yang Qiao Fu , Cai Qing , Deng Xu Liang
Published: November 2009

Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) copolymers are a kind of biocompatible and biodegradable materials being widely used in tissue engineering. However, phase separation had not been reported successfully in fabricating these amorphous polymers into nanofibrous matrix, although this technique had shown advantages over electrospinning in producing a nanofiber network. In this study, tetrahydrofuran (THF)/H2O solvent pairs were found suitable solvents to induce the formation of uniform PLGA gel at selected gelation temperatures. The results indicated that fine nanofibrous structures with fiber diameter around 40–60 nm could be obtained following the steps of gel formation, solvent extraction, and freeze‐drying, by controlling the concentration of PLGA/THF/H2O solution, THF/H2O ratio, and gelation temperature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐molecule genomics
Authors: McCaughan Frank , Dear Paul H
Published: November 2009

The term ‘single‐molecule genomics’ (SMG) describes a group of molecular methods in which single molecules are detected or sequenced. The focus on the analysis of individual molecules distinguishes these techniques from more traditional methods, in which template DNA is cloned or PCR‐amplified prior to analysis. Although technically challenging, the analysis of single molecules has the potential to play a major role in the delivery of truly personalized medicine. The two main subgroups of SMG methods are single‐molecule digital PCR and single‐molecule sequencing. Single‐molecule PCR has a number of advantages over competing technologies, including improved detection of rare genetic variants and more precise analysis of copy‐number variation, and is more easily adapted to the often small amount of material that is available in clinical samples. Single‐molecule sequencing refers to a number of different methods that are mainly still in development but have the potential to make a huge impact on personalized medicine in the future. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compound heterozygous mutation with a novel splice donor region DNA sequence variant in the succinate dehydrogenase subunit B gene in malignant paraganglioma
Authors: Majumdar Suvankar , Friedrich Christopher A. , Koch Christian A. , Megason Gail C. , Fratkin Jonathan D. , Moll George W.
Published: November 2009

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors in children. Apparently sporadic cases of PGL may harbor germline mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) gene. SDHB mutations are associated with malignant disease. We report a 13‐year‐old African American boy with diffusely metastatic PGL and compound heterozygous mutation leading to a novel splice donor region DNA sequence variant in the SDHB gene. Family history was positive for non‐classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia and pituitary adenoma. After surgical resection of the primary PGL and chemotherapy, he was treated with metaiodobenzy lguanidine (MIBG) combined with arsenic trioxide. At 3‐year follow‐up, he had stable disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:473–475. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.