bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the kidney: Report of a case diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology and confirmed by immunocytochemistry and RT‐PCR along with review of literature
Authors: Kumar Rajiv , Gautam Upasana , Srinivasan Radhika , Lal Anupam , Sharma Upender , Nijhawan Raje , Kumar Santosh
Published: May 2011

Primary Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) of the kidney is a distinct entity that can be mistaken for variety of round cell tumors. We report a rare case of ES/PNET of the kidney in a 35‐year‐old female patient diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Ultrasound guided FNAC smears from the kidney mass showed a population of malignant small round cells with perivascular arrangement and focal rosette formation. IHC performed on the cell block, showed strong immunopositivity for CD99 (MIC2) and vimentin. Molecular analysis of the aspirate by RT‐PCR confirmed the EWS‐FLI type1 transcript. The application of RT‐PCR on FNAC material for establishing a diagnosis of renal ES/PNET is being reported for the first time. FNAC also confirmed metastases in the right level I cervical lymph node. The utility of IHC and molecular techniques in diagnosis of such a rare case is stressed and relevant literature is discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytological diagnostic clues in fine needle aspiration of breast myofibroblastoma: A case report
Authors: Landeyro Julieta , Díaz M. Luisa , Raventós Antoni , Vadillo Jordi , Martínez M. Salomé
Published: May 2011

Myofibroblastoma of the breast is a rare, benign mesenchymal tumor derived from the stroma and tends to occur mainly in middle‐aged to elderly men. There are a few cases reported in the literature describing its cytological features. We report the cytological and histological findings of a breast myofibroblastoma in a 68‐year‐old man. He presented with a palpable nodule of 2‐months duration in his left breast. The cytological smears obtained by fine needle aspiration showed less cohesive cellularity in a fascicular arrangement consisting of spindle cells with elongated cytoplasm, occasional nuclear grooves, and intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions associated to fragments of stromal collagen. The cytological diagnosis was a mesenchymal proliferation suggesting the possibility of myofibroblastoma which was confirmed on histopathological examination. The breast myofibroblastoma has distinctive cytological features that in conjunction with the clinical and radiological data allow a specific diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma fine needle aspiration: A case report
Authors: Wickham M. Quinn , Youens Kenneth E. , Dodd Leslie G.
Published: May 2011

Cytological diagnosis of low grade sarcomas can be a daunting task, owing to the varied cytomorphological appearances possible. We report a case of acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (AMIFS) in a woman who presented with a longstanding mass on the dorsum of her left foot. The diagnosis was suggested by fine needle aspiration cytology and established by wide excision. Microscopic examination showed that fine needle aspirate smears of this lesion contained the characteristic features seen in the surgical excision of this AMIFS: myxoid material, spindled to epithelioid cells with variably prominent nucleoli, nuclear pseudoinclusions, bipolar cytoplasmic extensions, globules of extracellular material, and bizarre virocyte or ganglion‐like giant cells. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration features of paraduodenal pancreatitis (groove pancreatitis): A report of three cases
Authors: Chute Deborah J. , Stelow Edward B.
Published: May 2011

Chronic pancreatitis is notorious for mimicking both the clinical and radiologic presentation of pancreatic carcinoma. Paraduodenal pancreatitis is believed to result from focal chronic pancreatitis which affects the minor papilla of the duodenum. Currently, there is limited information available regarding the cytologic features of paraduodenal pancreatitis. In this study, we report the cytologic features of three patients with paraduodenal pancreatitis who had EUS‐guided FNAs of the pancreas. The cytologic features were highly variable between cases, likely due to sampling of the various components of paraduodenal pancreatitis. The most common findings were spindled stromal cells, foamy cells, and granular debris. Although most often interpreted as negative for malignancy, the sampling of an area with abundant spindle cells or Brunner gland hyperplasia can mimic neoplasia. Careful attention to the clinical history and radiologic description can help to prevent over‐diagnosis on FNA. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The potential impact of climate change on groundwater‐fed wetlands in eastern England
Authors: Herrera‐Pantoja M. , Hiscock K. M. , Boar R. R.
Published: May 2011

Wetlands are fragile ecosystems that provide a range of useful functions. However, such ecosystems have been experiencing persistent pressures and stresses from a range of socio‐economic drivers in the last few centuries. In the 21st century, changes in global climate are expected to have impacts on hydrological and water supply regimes, which will in turn impose additional pressures on wetlands. Consequently, the need for quantitative methods to evaluate the likely impact of climate change is essential if appropriate conservation strategies and integrated water management regimes are to be developed. In this paper, a methodology is presented to evaluate the implications of potential climate change on groundwater‐fed wetlands underlain by an unconfined limestone (Chalk) aquifer in eastern England, one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in the UK. A daily weather generator, a recharge model and a groundwater model have been coupled to investigate the most extreme consequences of future climate change as described by the UKCIP02 ‘high’ greenhouse gas emissions scenario. Simulations showed that a declining trend in wetland water levels could result in loss of species with a small tolerance to dry conditions by the end of the 21st century. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binuclear Pentalene Iron Carbonyl Complexes
Authors: Li Huidong , Feng Hao , Sun Weiguo , Xie Yaoming , King R. Bruce , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: May 2011

The bicyclic hydrocarbon pentalene, although unstable in the free state, forms a stable iron carbonyl derivative cis‐(η5,η5‐C8H6)Fe2(CO)4(μ‐CO). In this connection, the series of binuclear pentalene iron carbonyl derivatives C8H6Fe2(CO)n (n = 7, 6, 5, 4) have been investigated by density functional theory. The lowest energy C8H6Fe2(CO)6 structure is predicted to be trans‐(η5,η5‐C8H6)Fe2(CO)6 without an iron–iron bond. However, a cis‐(η5,η1‐C8H6)Fe2(CO)6 structure with an uncomplexed pentalene C=C double bond and a formal Fe–Fe bond of length 2.646 Å (BP86) lies only ca. 3 kcal/mol above this global minimum. The CO dissociation energy of C8H6Fe2(CO)6 to give C8H6Fe2(CO)5 is predicted to be only ca. 12 kcal/mol, explaining the formation of C8H6Fe2(CO)5 rather than C8H6Fe2(CO)6 in reactions of dihydropentalene with iron carbonyls. In addition, the experimentally known cis‐(η5,η5‐C8H6)Fe2(CO)4(μ‐CO) structure is found to be the lowest energy C8H6Fe2(CO)5 structure by more than 25 kcal/mol (BP86). For the tetracarbonyl two triplet and two singlet cis‐C8H6Fe2(CO)4 structures lie within 7 kcal/mol of each other (BP86) with the triplet structures being of slightly lower energies. The singlet C8H6Fe2(CO)4 structure is predicted to be thermodynamically unfavorable with respect to disproportionation into C8H6Fe2(CO)5 + C8H6Fe2(CO)3.
Synthesis and Olfactory Characterization of Novel Silicon‐Containing Acyclic Dienone Musk Odorants
Authors: Geyer Marcel , Bauer Jennifer , Burschka Christian , Kraft Philip , Tacke Reinhold
Published: May 2011

With an odor threshold value of 0.54 ng L–1 air, (3E,5E)‐7,7‐dimethyl‐5‐tert‐butylocta‐3,5‐dien‐2‐one (1a) constitutes the most potent member of a new family of acyclic musk odorants with ionone aspects. Replacement of the quaternary carbon atoms of 1a with silicon atoms leads to the (di)sila analogues 1b (replacement of the carbon atom C‐7), 1c (replacement of the quaternary carbon atom of the 5‐tert‐butyl group), and 1d (replacement of both quaternary carbon atoms). Compounds 1b–1d were prepared in multistep syntheses, and their olfactory properties were characterized. The disila analogue 1d turned out to be the weakest compound of the series (197 ng L–1 air), with only very faint musky aspects. The 7‐sila analogue 1b was very floral, of iononeand rose character, and also had a distinct musky note (1.63 ng L–1 air). The 5‐trimethylsilyl analogue 1c was the most musky sila odorant of the series (10.6 ng L–1 air), with rosy but not ionone‐like facets. Thus, exchange of one or both tert‐butyl groups of 1a for a trimethylsilyl substituent had quite dramatic effects on the odor, and steric bulk at the carbon atom C‐5 seems to be important for creating a musk odor impression.
Synthesis of Photochromic Compounds for Aqueous Solutions and Focusable Light
Authors: Polyakova Svetlana M. , Belov Vladimir N. , Bossi Mariano L. , Hell Stefan W.
Published: May 2011

Photochromic compounds with improved performance in pure water have been prepared and characterized. They possess an asymmetrical and extended conjugation system with a 1,2‐bis(3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene core, additional thiophene rings connected with sulfonic acid residues, as well as terminal pyrid‐4‐yl and 4‐alkoxyphenyl groups. A multistep synthetic route to a key compound with an amino group required for further derivatization has been developed. The complete photocyclization reaction of the initial “open ring” compound (with absorption maximum at 340 nm in MeOH or water) can be performed with a diode laser in pure water or aqueous buffer solutions (without added organic solvents) under irradiation at 366–375 nm, and the reverse ring‐opening reaction of the colored “closed ring” compound (λmax = 628 or 624 nm in MeOH or water) takes place under irradiation with visible green or red light (>500 nm). Building block 57, with a secondary amino group, can further be used in the synthesis of practically important, reversibly switchable, fluorescent compounds in which the fluorescent dye (donor) is attached to a photochromic unit (acceptor), and the resonant energy transfer from a donor to the colored form of an acceptor provides a reversible quenching of the fluorescence signal in aqueous solutions.
Seismic risk assessment of interdependent critical infrastructure systems: The case of European gas and electricity networks
Authors: Poljanšek Karmen , Bono Flavio , Gutiérrez Eugenio
Published: May 2011

We study the seismic vulnerability of the interdependent European gas and electricity transmission networks from a topological point of view, whereby the electricity network depends on the gas network through gas‐fired power plants. First, we assessed the seismic response for each independent network; then we analyzed the increased vulnerability due to their interdependency. We implemented a probabilistic reliability model that encompasses the spatial distribution of both network structures and their seismic hazard exposure using a Geographic Information System. We characterized the network interdependency using the strength of coupling of the interconnections, together with the seismic response of the independent—gas—network. We calculated the network fragility curves of the independent and dependent networks in terms of various performance measures (connectivity loss, power loss, and impact on the population) and found that the gas network is more seismically vulnerable than the electricity network. The interdependency introduces an extra vulnerability to the electricity network response that decreases with the extensiveness of the networks' damage states. Damage was also evaluated at a local level in order to identify the most vulnerable parts of the network, where it was found that the potential for the highest power loss is located in southeast Europe. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mercury bioaccumulation, speciation, and influence on web structure in orb-weaving spiders from a forested watershed
Authors: Wyman Katherine E , Rodenhouse Nicholas L , Bank Michael S
Published: May 2011

Atmospheric deposition is an important source of Hg in remote terrestrial ecosystems of northeastern North America. As high-level invertebrate consumers, orb-weaving spiders (family Araneidae) are excellent subjects for studying the impact of sublethal levels of Hg on forest animals because their webs provide snapshots of behavior and neurological function. Spiders of the diadematus group of the genus Araneus were collected from the Jeffers Brook watershed in the White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire (USA), and analyzed for Hg content. Webs were photographed and measured to test for correlations between Hg body burden and web structure. Collected spiders contained concentrations of total Hg averaging 44.7 ± 10.0 ng/g Hg (wet mass; mean ± standard deviation), with 37 ± 6% of the total Hg present in the methylmercury form. Mercury loads were likely accumulated through diet (potential prey items contained an average of 43% of the Hg load in collected spiders) and possibly web ingestion. The present study found no direct evidence that the web structure—and thus the prey-capture ability—of spiders in the study area was affected by their Hg body burden. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1873–1878. © 2011 SETAC
Health status of native fish (Percilia gillissi and Trichomycterus areolatus) downstream of the discharge of effluent from a tertiary-treated elemental chlorine-free pulp mill in Chile
Authors: Chiang Gustavo , McMaster Mark E , Urrutia Roberto , Saavedra M. Fernanda , Gavilán J. Francisco , Tucca Felipe , Barra Ricardo , Munkittrick Kelly R
Published: May 2011

Few data exist on the possible effects of pulp and paper effluent discharge on native fish populations in the Southern Hemisphere, relative to the research done in the Northern Hemisphere. The present research examined two native fish species (Trichomycterus areolatus and Percilia gillissi) for effects at both the molecular and individual level due to the discharge of effluent from a tertiary treated elemental chlorine-free pulp mill into a fluvial system in Central Chile over three seasons (February 2007, October 2007, January 2008). Different responses were observed between species and between sexes. There was an increase in the production of gonadal 17β-estradiol in the females of both species but a drop in 11-ketotestosterone production in P. gillissi males. Female gonadal size was increased, especially during the summer period, with corresponding increases the frequency of advanced oocyte development, and in the oocyte diameter in both species. Hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity was elevated for both species downstream of the discharge point, although overall it was higher in P. gillissi than T. areolatus. Decreases in the frequency of smaller-sized fish for both species, as well as a drop in the size of the adults downstream of the discharge point, were observed. The present study is the first evidence of endocrine disruption in native freshwater fish associated with modern pulp mills in South America. This study establishes possible links in the reproductive alterations observed at the subindividual and individual levels that could explain the changes observed at the population level. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1793–1809. © 2011 SETAC
The ultrastructure of lamellar stack astrocytes
Authors: Holen Torgeir
Published: May 2011

Astrocytes support neurons and map out nonoverlapping domains in grey matter of the brain. The astrocytes of the glia limitans, however, do overlap. Using ultrastructural tools and immunogold histochemistry a subtype of astrocyte able to assemble large lamellar stacks was investigated at the ventral surface of the brain near the hypothalamus. Lamellar stacks were subsequently discovered also in the internal glia limitans of the epithalamus. Circular lamellar stacks containing AQP4 water channels surround neuronal processes, and might serve as osmosensors. The lamellar stacks are well‐organized and can form over 100 membrane layers between neuropil and the basal membrane, but a barrier function is not obvious from the noncontinuous character of the stacks along the glia limitans. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum enterolactone and postmenopausal breast cancer risk by estrogen, progesterone and herceptin 2 receptor status
Authors: Zaineddin Aida Karina , Vrieling Alina , Buck Katharina , Becker Susen , Linseisen Jakob , Flesch‐Janys Dieter , Kaaks Rudolf , Chang‐Claude Jenny
Published: May 2011

Lignans are a group of estrogenic compounds present in plants. Several epidemiological studies proposed that lignans may protect against breast cancer by exerting anticarcinogenic activity. Levels of enterolactone were determined in serum samples of 1,250 cases and 2,164 controls from a large population‐based case–control study. We assessed the association between serum enterolactone and postmenopausal breast cancer risk using conditional logistic regression accounting for potential risk and confounding factors. Fractional polynomials were used to determine the function that best fitted the data. Moreover, we assessed heterogeneity by estrogen/progesterone/herceptin (ER/PR/HER2) status of the tumor. Additionally, a meta‐analysis with seven further studies addressing enterolactone concentrations and breast cancer risk was performed. Postmenopausal breast cancer risk decreased with increasing serum enterolactone levels [highest compared to lowest quintile: [odds ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52–0.83, ptrend = <0.0001]. A significant inverse association for ER+/PR+ as well as ER−/PR− tumors was observed, with a significantly stronger association for ER−/PR− tumors (pheterogeneity = 0.03). The association for ER−/PR− tumors did not differ by expression of HER2 (pheterogeneity = 0.3). The meta‐analysis yielded a significant reduced pooled risk estimate of: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.55–0.77) comparing the highest to the lowest quantiles of enterolactone levels. We found strong evidence for a significant inverse association between serum enterolactone and postmenopausal breast cancer risk, which was stronger for ER−PR− than for ER+PR+ tumors but not differential by further expression of HER2. The overall evidence together with other studies supports an inverse association between higher serum enterolactone levels and postmenopausal breast cancer risk.
Variations in sex hormone metabolism genes, postmenopausal hormone therapy and risk of endometrial cancer
Authors: Razavi Pedram , Lee Eunjung , Bernstein Leslie , Van Den Berg David , Horn‐Ross Pamela L. , Ursin Giske
Published: May 2011

We investigated whether variants in sex steroid hormone metabolism genes modify the effect of hormone therapy (HT) on endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal non‐Hispanic white women. A nested case–control study was conducted within the California Teachers Study (CTS). We genotyped htSNPs in six genes involved in the hormone metabolism in 286 endometrial cancer cases and 488 controls. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for each haplotype using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age. The strongest interaction was observed between duration of estrogen therapy (ET) use and haplotype 1A in CYP11A1 (pinteraction = 0.0027; pinteraction = 0.010 after correcting for multiple testing within each gene). The OR for endometrial cancer per copy of haplotype 1A was 2.00 (95% CI: 1.05–3.96) for long‐term ET users and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.69–1.18) for never users. The most significant interaction with estrogen‐progestin therapy (EPT) was found for two haplotypes on CYP19A1 and EPT use (haplotype 4A, pinteraction = 0.024 and haplotype 3B, pinteraction = 0.043). However, neither this interaction, nor the ET or EPT interactions for any other genes, was statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. Variations in CYP11A1 may modify the effect of ET use on risk of postmenopausal endometrial cancer; however, larger studies are needed to explore these findings further.
Oncogenic KRAS‐induced interleukin‐8 overexpression promotes cell growth and migration and contributes to aggressive phenotypes of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sunaga Noriaki , Imai Hisao , Shimizu Kimihiro , Shames David S. , Kakegawa Seiichi , Girard Luc , Sato Mitsuo , Kaira Kyoichi , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Gazdar Adi F. , Minna John D. , Mori Masatomo
Published: May 2011

The CXC chemokine interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) is an angiogenic growth factor that is overexpressed in various cancers, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Previously, IL‐8 was shown as a transcriptional target of RAS signaling, raising the possibility of its role in oncogenic KRAS‐driven NSCLC. Using microarray analysis, we identified IL‐8 as the most downregulated gene by shRNA‐mediated KRAS knockdown in NCI‐H1792 NSCLC cells where IL‐8 is overexpressed. NSCLC cell lines harboring KRAS or EGFR mutations overexpressed IL‐8, while IL‐8 levels were more prominent in KRAS mutants compared to EGFR mutants. IL‐8 expression was downregulated by shRNA‐mediated KRAS knockdown in KRAS mutants or by treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and EGFR siRNAs in EGFR mutants. In our analysis of the relationship of IL‐8 expression with clinical parameters and mutation status of KRAS or EGFR in 89 NSCLC surgical specimens, IL‐8 expression was shown to be significantly higher in NSCLCs of males, smokers, and elderly patients and those with pleural involvement and KRAS mutated adenocarcinomas. In KRAS mutant cells, the MEK inhibitor markedly decreased IL‐8 expression, while the p38 inhibitor increased IL‐8 expression. Attenuation of IL‐8 function by siRNAs or a neutralizing antibody inhibited cell proliferation and migration of KRAS mutant/IL‐8 overexpressing NSCLC cells. These results indicate that activating mutations of KRAS or EGFR upregulate IL‐8 expression in NSCLC; IL‐8 is highly expressed in NSCLCs from males, smokers, elderly patients, NSCLCs with pleural involvement, and KRAS‐mutated adenocarcinomas; and IL‐8 plays a role in cell growth and migration in oncogenic KRAS‐driven NSCLC.
Increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Wang Chenggang , Wang Xiaolin , Gong Gaoquan , Ben Qiwen , Qiu Weili , Chen Yi , Li Guoping , Wang Liangwen
Published: May 2011

In recent years, increasing evidence has suggested a strong association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To provide a quantitative assessment of this association, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies. We collected studies through a literature search of Medline from January 1, 1966 and EMBASE from January 1, 1974, through July 31, 2010. Summary relative risks (SRRs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. A total of 25 cohort studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in our analysis. Among these, 18 studies showed that DM was associated with an increased incidence of HCC (SRRs = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.61–2.51), compared with individuals without DM. There was a statistically significant heterogeneity among these studies (Q = 136.68, p < 0.001, I2 = 87.6%). Analyses subgrouped by controlling confounders revealed that the increased incidence of HCC was independent of geographic location, alcohol consumption, history of cirrhosis, or infections with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). In addition, DM was also positively associated with HCC mortality (SRR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.30–1.87), with no significant evidence of heterogeneity among studies (Q = 1.16, p = 0.56, I2 =0%). There were no significant publication bias (p = 0.79 for Egger's regression asymmetry test). These findings strongly support a positive association between DM and increased risk of HCC in both males and females.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator is associated with tumor growth and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Ying , Li Wei‐Wei , Yang Bi‐Wei , Tao Zhong‐Hua , Sun Hui‐Chuan , Wang Lu , Xia Jing‐Lin , Qin Lun‐Xiu , Tang Zhao‐You , Fan Jia , Wu Wei‐Zhong
Published: May 2011

bHLH/PAS proteins play important roles in tumor progression. Lost or reduced expression of single‐minded homolog 2 (SIM) as well as aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) has been observed in cancerous human tissues. Here, we investigated the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), another bHLH/PAS protein, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry, we found that intratumoral ARNT was inversely correlated with time to recurrence and overall survival of HCC patients after resection. Knockdown of ARNT in HepG2, HCCLM3 and HCCLM6 cells significantly shortened cell doubling time, increased S‐phase cell populations and accelerated in vivo HCCLM6 growth and metastasis. After ARNT expression was rescued, prolonged cell doubling time and decreased S‐phase cell populations were observed in HepG2, HCCLM3 and HCCLM6 cells. And, HCCLM6 growth and metastasis in vivo were remarkably inhibited. Screening by quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR and PCR arrays revealed that cyclin E1, CDK2, Fos and Jun were negatively regulated by ARNT, whereas CDKN1C, CNKN2A, CDKN2B, MAPK11 and MAPK14 were positively regulated in HCC. According to the results of immunoprecipitation assay, both ARNT/ARNT and ARNT/AHRR complexes were clearly formed in HCCLM6 xenograft with increased ARNT expression. In summary, ARNT is an important regulator of HCC growth and metastasis and could be a promising prognostic candidate in HCC patients.
Supramolecular Assemblies of Thioflavin T with Cucurbiturils: Prospects of Cooperative and Competitive Metal Ion Binding
Authors: Bhasikuttan Achikanath C. , Dutta Choudhury Sharmistha , Pal Haridas , Mohanty Jyotirmayee
Published: May 2011

Of late, molecular‐recognition‐guided supramolecular assembly and its relevance in the development of highly stable and active photofunctional materials have drawn much attention. In this review, the non‐covalent interaction of a biologically important dye, thioflavin T (ThT), with cucurbituril macrocycles, especially, cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB8), and the response of the resulting molecular assemblies towards the metal ions have been discussed. The interaction of ThT with CB7 leads to significant enhancement in the fluorescence yield, lifetime and modifications in the spectral features of ThT. These changes are assigned to the formation of 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 (CB7⋅ThT) complexes. However, with CB8 a distinct evolution of a hitherto unexplored strong excimer emission band having maximum at 570 nm is observed. The strong ion–dipole interactions provided by the carbonyl portals of the CB8 adequately support the stabilization of two π‐stacked ThTs, both in 1 : 2 (CB8⋅ThT) and 2 : 2 stoichiometric ratio. In case of the 1 : 1 (CB7⋅ThT) system, the metal ion addition leads to the usual competitive binding interaction and decreases the fluorescence intensity. However, the addition of the same metal ion to the 2 : 1 (CB7⋅ThT) complex results in a novel cooperative metal ion binding to the complex, leading to the formation of a highly fluorescent supramolecular capsule. Further addition of amantadine hydrochloride induces rupture of the capsular complex, projecting potential application in targeted drug delivery. The 2 : 2 (CB8⋅ThT) complex responds to the metal ion presence in a competitive way, which allows demonstration of a fluorescence on–off mechanism.
Cucurbiturils as Versatile Receptors for Redox Active Substrates
Authors: Kaifer Angel E. , Li Wei , Yi Song
Published: May 2011

Research on the chemistry of cucurbit[n]uril (CBn) hosts has picked up and maintained an impressive pace in the last decade, primarily due to the isolation of hosts with relatively larger cavity sizes, such as CB7 and CB8. This review article summarizes our involvement in this research effort, with particular emphasis on the binding of redox active guests by the CB7 and CB8 hosts. The binding of 4,4′‐bipyridinium (viologen) derivatives was the starting point of our CB research. While methylviologen is encapsulated by CB7, forming a highly symmetric inclusion complex, more hydrophobic viologens are bound by inclusion of one of the terminal N‐substituents inside the host cavity. Cationic ferrocene derivatives reach extremely high binding affinities with CB7. Binding by CB8 offers additional possibilities, since this host may accommodate two aromatic units inside its cavity, which can be utilized to exert redox control on the assembly of suitably dendronized guests. From a purely electrochemical standpoint, CB7‐included viologens maintain their voltammetric reversibility, but CB7‐included ferrocene residues experience a pronounced attenuation of their electron transfer kinetics. We have also applied these binding and electrochemical properties to the design and preparation of switchable, CB‐based pseudorotaxanes.
Grafting of dermatan sulfate on polyethylene terephtalate to enhance biointegration
Authors: Dhahri Manel , Abed Aicha , Lajimi Ramzi Hadj , Mansour Mohamed Ben , Gueguen Virginie , Abdesselem Saber Ben , Chaubet Frederic , Letourneur Didier , Meddahi‐Pellé Anne , Maaroufi Raoui M.
Published: May 2011

The aim of the present study was to achieve the immobilization of dermatan sulfate (DS) on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surfaces and to evaluate its biocompatibility. DS obtained from the skin of Scyliorhinus canicula shark was immobilized via carbodiimide on knitted PET fabrics, modified with carboxyl groups. PET‐DS characterization was performed by SEM, ATR‐FTIR and contact angle measurements. Biocompatibility was evaluated by investigating plasma protein adsorption and endothelial cell proliferation, as well as by subcutaneous implantations in rats. The results indicated that DS immobilization on PET was achieved at ∼8 μg/cm2. ATR‐FTIR evidenced the presence of sulfate groups on the PET surface. In turn, contact angle measurements indicated an increase in the surface wettability. DS immobilization increased albumin adsorption on the PET surface, whereas it decreased that of fibrinogen. In vitro cell culture revealed that endothelial cell proliferation was also enhanced on PET‐DS. Histological results after 15 days of subcutaneous implantation showed a better integration of PET‐DS samples in comparison to those of nonmodified PET. In summary, DS was successfully grafted onto the surface of PET, providing it new physicochemical characteristics and biological properties for PET, thus enhancing its biointegration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
CaSiO3 microstructure modulating the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) microspheres
Authors: Wu Chengtie , Zhang Yufeng , Fan Wei , Ke Xuebin , Hu Xuye , Zhou Yinghong , Xiao Yin
Published: May 2011

Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres have been used for regenerative medicine due to their ability for drug delivery and generally good biocompatibility, but they lack adequate bioactivity for bone repair application. CaSiO3 (CS) has been proposed as a new class of material suitable for bone tissue repair due to its excellent bioactivity. In this study, we set out to incorporate CS into PLGA microspheres to investigate how the phase structure (amorphous and crystal) of CS influences the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of the composite microspheres, with a view to the application for bone regeneration. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption‐desorption analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the phase structure, surface area/pore volume, and microstructure of amorphous CS (aCS) and crystal CS (cCS), as well as their composite microspheres. The in vitro bioactivity of aCS and cCS–PLGA microspheres was evaluated by investigating their apatite‐mineralization ability in simulated body fluids (SBF) and the viability of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The in vivo bioactivity was investigated by measuring their de novo bone‐formation ability. The results showed that the incorporation of both aCS and cCS enhanced the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of PLGA microspheres. cCS/PLGA microspheres improved better in vitro BMSC viability and de novo bone‐formation ability in vivo, compared to aCS/PLGA microspheres. Our study indicates that controlling the phase structure of CS is a promising method to modulate the bioactivity of polymer microsphere system for potential bone tissue regeneration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Synthesis of GTMAC modified chitin–PAA gel and evaluation of its biological properties
Authors: Uppanan Paweena , Channasanon Somruethai , Veeranondh Sukitaya , Tanodekaew Siriporn
Published: May 2011

The dressing prepared from GTMAC modified chitin–PAA was introduced with the aim of facilitating wound healing, particularly those effectively absorbing exudates, maintaining a moist wound environment and controlling bacterial proliferation. Chitin was chemically modified with acrylic acid to encourage a moist wound healing environment. The highly water‐absorbable resulting product (chitin–PAA) was further reacted with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) to impart antibacterial activities. The final product, chitin–PAA–GTMAC was characterized by the techniques of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), solid state 15N NMR, and elemental analysis. Their cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities against S. epidermidis and E. coli were evaluated which found increasing effects in those properties with increasing degree substitution of GTMAC. All materials also showed good blood‐clotting ability. The collagen gel contraction assay was used to analyze the behavior of fibroblasts after contact with the gels. The extent of the gel contraction as well as the examination of the secreted interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) were investigated. The results showed that chitin‐PAA modified with GTMAC could stimulate the production of IL‐8, but TGF‐β1. Fibroblasts presented normal spreading and formation of cellular processes in the collagen gels with all of the modifications. Furthermore, all modified gels except for the highest GTMAC content gel [chitin–PAA–GTMAC (1:20)] were found a greater extent in gel contraction than the unmodified chitin–PAA. It suggested the promoting effect of GTMAC on cell proliferation if the GTMAC content in the gel was not too high, that is, the mole ratio of glucosamine to GTMAC of the gel should not greater than 1:10. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Molecular plasma deposited peptides on anodized nanotubular titanium: An osteoblast density study
Authors: Balasundaram Ganesan , Shimpi Tushar M. , Sanow William R. , Storey Daniel M. , Kitchell Barbara S. , Webster Thomas J.
Published: May 2011

A large amount of work is currently being conducted to design, fabricate, and characterize materials coated or immobilized with bioactive molecules for tissue engineering applications. Here, a novel method, molecular plasma deposition (MPD), is introduced with can efficiently coat materials with numerous bioactive peptides. Specifically, here, RGDS (arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid‐serine), KRSR (lysine‐arginine‐serine‐arginine), and IKVAV (isoleucine‐lysine‐valine‐alanine‐valine) were coated on anodized nanotubular titanium using MPD. The anodized nanotubular titanium surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle measurements. Peptide coatings were examined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and an amine reactive fluorescence molecule, 3‐(4 carboxybenzoyl)quinoline 2‐carboxaldehyde (CBQCA). Electrospray ionization (ESI) was used to confirm peptide integrity. Osteoblast (bone‐forming cell) density was determined on the materials of interest. Results confirmed peptide coatings and showed that the MPD RGDS and KRSR coatings on anodized nanotubular titanium increased osteoblast density compared with uncoated substrates and those coated with IKVAV and a control peptide (RGES) after 4 h and 7 days. SEM confirmed differences in the morphology of the attached cells. These results, to the best of our knowledge, are the first reports using MPD to efficiently create peptide coatings to increase osteoblast density on metals commonly used in orthopedics. Since MPD represents a quick, inexpensive, and versatile technique to coat implants with peptides, it should be further studied for numerous implant applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Light microscopic description of the effects of laser phototherapy on bone defects grafted with mineral trioxide aggregate, bone morphogenetic proteins, and guided bone regeneration in a rodent model
Authors: Pinheiro Antonio L. B. , Soares Luiz G. P. , Aciole Gilberth T. S. , Correia Neandder A. , Barbosa Artur F. S. , Ramalho Luciana M. P. , dos Santos Jean N.
Published: May 2011

We carried out a histological analysis on bone defects grafted with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) treated or not with laser, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Benefits of the use of MTA, laser, BMPs, and GBR on bone repair are well known, but there is no report on their association with laser light. Ninety rats were divided into 10 groups each subdivided into 3. Defects on G II and I were filled with the blood clot. G II was further irradiated with LED. G III and IV were filled with MTA; G IV was further irradiated with laser. G V and VI, the defects filled with MTA and covered with a membrane (GBR). G VI was further irradiated with laser. G VII and VIII, BMPs were added to the MTA and group VIII further irradiated with laser. G IX and X, the MTA + BMP graft was covered with a membrane (GBR). G X was further irradiated with laser. Laser light (λ = 850 nm, 150 mW, 4 J/cm2) was applied over the defect at 48‐h intervals and repeated for 15 days. Specimens were processed, cut and stained with H&E and Sirius red and underwent histological analysis. Subjects on group X were irradiated. The results showed different tissue response on all groups during the experimental time. Major changes were seen on irradiated subjects and included marked deposition of new bone in advanced maturation. It is concluded that near infrared laser phototherapy improved the results of the use of the MTA on bone defects. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
The cytotoxicity assessment of the novel latex urinary catheter with prolonged antimicrobial activity
Authors: Kowalczuk Dorota , Ginalska Grazyna , Przekora Agata
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of the novel Sparfoxacin (SPA)‐treated latex catheter with previously performed prolonged antimicrobial activity. Rectangular‐shaped test samples of silicone latex catheter were fabricated according to patented procedure permitting the immobilization of SPA on heparin (HP)‐coated catheter by means of mixed, covalent and non‐covalent bonds. Samples subjected to cytotoxicity assay were divided into four groups: (1) the untreated catheter, (2) HP‐coated catheter, (3) HP‐coated catheter with SPA immobilized in low SPA concentration solution (SPA‐L treated sample), and (4) high SPA concentration solution (SPA‐H treated sample). Then the samples were placed directly into green monkey kidney (GMK) cell monolayer for 24 h. After the incubation period, cytotoxicity was determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The degree of cytotoxicity of each sample was evaluated according to the reference value represented by the control cells cultured without catheter sample. Statistical significance was determined by repeated t‐test (P < 0.05). The cytotoxic effect of treated and untreated catheters was also estimated by microscopic observations of GMK cells morphological changes. SPA‐treated catheters demonstrated high survival rates in MTT assay (>93%) on the contrary to the untreated catheters (6.13%) and HP‐coated catheters (80.90%). Moreover, microscopic observation of GMK cells exposed to SPA‐treated samples revealed no morphological changes and no cell growth reduction. We suggest that SPA‐treated latex catheters are biofilm formation resistant (as we revealed in our previous work), considerably less toxic than untreated ones, and can be undoubtedly used in urological practice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Skeletal muscle fat content is inversely associated with bone strength in young girls
Authors: Farr Joshua N , Funk Janet L , Chen Zhao , Lisse Jeffrey R , Blew Robert M , Lee Vinson R , Laudermilk Monica , Lohman Timothy G , Going Scott B
Published: May 2011

Childhood obesity is an established risk factor for metabolic disease. The influence of obesity on bone development, however, remains controversial and may depend on the pattern of regional fat deposition. Therefore, we examined the associations of regional fat compartments of the calf and thigh with weight-bearing bone parameters in girls. Data from 444 girls aged 9 to 12 years from the Jump-In: Building Better Bones study were analyzed. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was used to assess bone parameters at metaphyseal and diaphyseal sites of the femur and tibia along with subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT, mm2) and muscle density (mg/cm3), an index of skeletal muscle fat content. As expected, SAT was positively correlated with total-body fat mass (r = 0.87–0.89, p < .001), and muscle density was inversely correlated with total-body fat mass (r = −0.24 to −0.28, p < .001). Multiple linear regression analyses with SAT, muscle density, muscle cross-sectional area, bone length, maturity, and ethnicity as independent variables showed significant associations between muscle density and indices of bone strength at metaphyseal (β = 0.13–0.19, p < .001) and diaphyseal (β = 0.06–0.09, p < .01) regions of the femur and tibia. Associations between SAT and indices of bone strength were nonsignificant at all skeletal sites (β = 0.03–0.05, p > .05), except the distal tibia (β = 0.09, p = .03). In conclusion, skeletal muscle fat content of the calf and thigh is inversely associated with weight-bearing bone strength in young girls. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
A 7-day continuous infusion of PTH or PTHrP suppresses bone formation and uncouples bone turnover
Authors: Horwitz Mara J , Tedesco Mary Beth , Sereika Susan M , Prebehala Linda , Gundberg Caren M , Hollis Bruce W , Bisello Alessandro , Garcia-Ocaña Adolfo , Carneiro Raquel M , Stewart Andrew F
Published: May 2011

Human in vivo models of primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM), or lactational bone mobilization for more than 48 hours have not been described previously. We therefore developed 7-day continuous-infusion models using human parathyroid hormone(1–34) [hPTH(1–34)] and human parathyroid hormone–related protein(1–36) [hPTHrP(1–36)] in healthy human adult volunteers. Study subjects developed sustained mild increases in serum calcium (10.0 mg/dL), with marked suppression of endogenous PTH(1–84). The maximal tolerated infused doses over a 7-day period (2 and 4 pmol/kg/h for PTH and PTHrP, respectively) were far lower than in prior, briefer human studies (8 to 28 pmol/kg/h). In contrast to prior reports using higher PTH and PTHrP doses, both 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and tubular maximum for phosphorus (TmP/GFR) remained unaltered with these low doses despite achievement of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria. As expected, bone resorption increased rapidly and reversed promptly with cessation of the infusion. However, in contrast to events in primary HPT, bone formation was suppressed by 30% to 40% for the 7 days of the infusions. With cessation of PTH and PTHrP infusion, bone-formation markers abruptly rebounded upward, confirming that bone formation is suppressed by continuous PTH or PTHrP infusion. These studies demonstrate that continuous exposure of the human skeleton to PTH or PTHrP in vivo recruits and activates the bone-resorption program but causes sustained arrest in the osteoblast maturation program. These events would most closely mimic and model events in HHM. Although not a perfect model for lactation, the increase in resorption and the rebound increase in formation with cessation of the infusions are reminiscent of the maternal skeletal calcium mobilization and reversal that occur following lactation. The findings also highlight similarities and differences between the model and HPT. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Molecular dynamics simulations of ionic and nonionic surfactant micelles with a generalized born implicit‐solvent model
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Wallace Jason A. , Koenig Peter H. , Shen Jana K.
Published: May 2011

In recent years, all‐atom and coarse‐grained models have been developed andapplied to simulations of micelles and biological membranes. Here, we explorethe question of whether a combined all‐atom representation of surfactantmolecules and continuum description of solvent based on the generalized Bornmodel can be used to study surfactant micelles. Specifically, we report theparameterization of the GBSW model with a surface‐area dependent nonpolarsolvation energy term for dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl tetramethylammonium, anddodecyl triethyleneglycol ether molecules. In the parameterization procedure,the atomic Born radii were derived from the radial distribution functions ofsolvent charge and refined targeting the potential of mean force of dimerinteractions from explicit‐solvent simulations. The optimized radii were thenapplied in molecular dynamics simulations of the ionic and nonionic micelles.We found that the micelles are stable but more compact and rigid than inexplicit solvent as a consequence of the drastic reduction in solvation andmobility of surfactant monomers within the micelle. Based on these data and ourprevious work, we suggest that in addition to a more accurate description ofthe nonpolar solvation energy, the ruggedness in the short‐range interactionsdue to solvent granularity is a critical feature that needs to be taken intoaccount to accurately model processes such as micelle formation and proteinfolding in implicit solvent. Finally, the explicit‐solvent data presented hereoffers new insights into different conformational behavior of ionic andnonionic micelles which is valuable for understanding hydrophobic assembliesand of interest to the detergent industry. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Pancreatic splenosis demonstrated by contrast‐enhanced sonography
Authors: Rogers Patrick , Williams M. P. , Fernando Rashika , Freeman Simon
Published: May 2011

Pancreatic splenosis is a very rare condition whose features on contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) have not, to our knowledge, been previously reported. We present the imaging findings in a case of pancreatic splenosis, in which a confident diagnosis was achieved with the use of CEUS and confirmed by a labeled heat denatured red cell scan. Accumulation of ultrasound contrast microbubbles in splenic tissue can be readily visualized on late‐phase CEUS and this technique has already been used to confirm the nature of intrapancreatic accessory spleens. This case shows that it can also confirm the diagnosis of splenosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011