bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot MRI study of organ specific hemosiderosis and functional correlation in Chinese patients with myelodysplasia and aplastic anemia with raised ferritin levels
Authors: Au WY , Lam WWM , Chu WWC , Tam S , Wong WK , Chan H , Law MF , Liu HSY , Liang R
Published: May 2008

We performed MRI and endocrine assessment in 27 adult Chinese patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and myelodysplasia (MDS). Despite high ferritin levels, cardiac hemosiderosis and heart failure was not common, and were not concordant in most cases. However, significant correlation was found between cardiac T2/T2* MRI assessment, ejection fraction and ferritin levels. Furthermore, there was a high incidence subclinical pancreatic abnormality that was related to liver MRI T2* readings. Hence, chelating agents may still have a role to improve organ function. Prospective data with serial functional and imaging monitoring is needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Familial chronic myeloproliferative disorders: the state of the art
Authors: Rumi Elisa
Published: May 2008

Familial chronic myeloproliferative disorders are defined when in the same pedigree at least two relatives have a chronic myeloproliferative disorder (CMD) as polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) or primary myelofibrosis (PMF). This condition should be distinguished from inherited disorders with Mendelian transmission and single haematopoietic lineage proliferation, named hereditary erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis. The recently discovered mutations in patients with CMD (V617F and exon 12 of JAK2 gene, MPL gene), and those identified in hereditary erythrocytosis and in hereditary thrombocytosis have improved our ability to discriminate these conditions. In familial CMD, the JAK2 mutations are acquired and occur as secondary genetic events. As both mutations of the JAK2 gene have been reported in the same pedigree, a genetic predisposition to the acquisition of the JAK2 mutations is supposed to be inherited. The prevalence of familial cases within CMD is at least 7.6%. The inheritance pattern of familial CMD is consistent with an autosomal dominant trait with decreased penetrance. The clinical presentation at diagnosis of patients with familial CMD does not differ from that of patients with sporadic CMD. In addition, patients with familial CMD develop the same type of complications (thrombosis and haemorrhage) and disease evolution (post‐PV myelofibrosis, post‐ET myelofibrosis and leukaemia) observed in patients with sporadic CMD. The 10‐year survival is 83% for patients with familial PV, 100% for those with familial ET, and 30% for those with familial PMF. The aim of this review is to focus the state of the art of familial CMD and to offer an overview of inherited conditions causing erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of mania patients suitable for treatment trials versus clinical treatment
Authors: Talamo Alessandra , Baldessarini Ross J. , Centorrino Franca
Published: May 2008

It remains uncertain whether bipolar disorder (BPD) patients in randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs) are sufficiently representative of clinically encountered patients as to guide clinical‐therapeutic practice. We complied inclusion/exclusion criteria by frequency from reports of 21 RCTs for mania, and applied them in a pilot study of patients hospitalized for DSM‐IV BPD manic/mixed states to compare characteristics and clinical responses of patients who did versus did not meet exclusion criteria. From 27 initially identified inclusion/exclusion criteria ranked by citation frequency, we derived six inclusion, and 10 non‐redundant‐exclusion factors. Of 67 consecutive patients meeting inclusion criteria, 15 (22.4%) potential “research subjects” met all 10 exclusion criteria. The remaining 52 “clinical patients” differed markedly on exclusion criteria, including more psychiatric co‐morbidity, substance abuse, involuntary hospitalization, and suicide attempts or violence, but were otherwise similar. In both groups responses to clinically determined inpatient treatments were similar, including improvement in mania ratings. Based on applying reported inclusion/exclusion criteria for RCTs to a pilot sample of hospitalized‐manic patients, those likely to be included in modern RCTs were similar to patients who would be excluded, most notably in short‐term antimanic‐treatment responses. The findings encourage further comparisons of subjects included/excluded from RCTs to test potential clinical generalizability of research findings. The pilot study is limited in numbers and exposure times with which to test for the minor differences between “research subjects” and “clinical patients.” Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors associated with neuroendocrine tumors: A U.S.‐based case–control study
Authors: Hassan Manal M. , Phan Alexandria , Li Donghui , Dagohoy Cecile G. , Leary Colleen , Yao James C.
Published: May 2008

Carcinoids are rare neuroendocrine tumors (NETs); however, their incidence has significantly increased in the United States over the past 30 years. Little is known about the epidemiology of these cancers and their associated risk factors. We evaluated the independent effects of multiple risk factors associated with NETs arising at 5 disease sites (small intestine, stomach, lung, pancreas and rectum). We conducted a retrospective, hospital‐based, case–control study involving 740 patients with histologically confirmed NETs and 924 healthy controls. Information on different risk factors was collected, and unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to determine adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) by the maximum‐likelihood method. Smoking and alcohol consumption were not associated with NETs development in either men or women. However, a family history of cancer was a significant risk factor for all NETs. A long‐term history of diabetes mellitus was a significant risk factor for gastric NETs (AOR = 5.6; 95% CI, 2.1–14.5), particularly in women (AOR = 8.4; 95% CI, 1.9–38.1). Diabetes modified the risk among women with a positive family history of cancer for the development of gastric NETs (AOR = 52.2; 95% CI, 5.5–491.5). Our results suggest that the risk of NETs may mostly explained by genetic factors. The increased risk of gastric NETs in women with both diabetes and a positive family history of cancer suggest that women may have a greater genetic susceptibility to NETs than men. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statin use and the risk of prostate cancer: A metaanalysis of 6 randomized clinical trials and 13 observational studies
Authors: Bonovas Stefanos , Filioussi Kalitsa , Sitaras Nikolaos M.
Published: May 2008

Statins have been suggested to prevent prostate cancer. Our aim was to examine statin use in relation to both total prostate cancer and the more clinically important advanced prostate cancer, through a detailed metaanalysis of the epidemiologic studies published on the subject in peer‐reviewed literature. A comprehensive search for articles published up to November 2007 was performed, reviews of each study were conducted and data were abstracted. Prior to metaanalysis, the studies were evaluated for publication bias and heterogeneity. Pooled relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random‐effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Nineteen studies [6 randomized clinical trials (RCTs), 6 cohort and 7 case–control studies] contributed to the analysis. There was no evidence of an association between statin use and total prostate cancer among either RCTs (RR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.93–1.20) or the observational studies (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.65–1.24). However, high heterogeneity was detected among the observational studies. Moreover, long‐term statin use did not significantly affect the risk of total prostate cancer (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.77–1.13). In contrast, synthesis of the available reports that had specifically examined statin use in relation to advanced prostate cancer indicated a protective association (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.64–0.93). Our results do not support the hypothesis that statins reduce the risk of total prostate cancer. However, further research is required to investigate whether the particular association of statin use with lower risk of advanced prostate cancer is indeed causal. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A sensitive test for the detection of specific DSB repair defects in primary cells from breast cancer specimens
Authors: Keimling Marlen , Kaur Jatinder , Bagadi Sarangadhara Appala Raju , Kreienberg Rolf , Wiesmüller Lisa , Ralhan Ranju
Published: May 2008

Increasing evidence indicates that breast cancer pathogenesis is linked with DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair dysfunction. This conclusion is based on advances in the study of functions of breast cancer susceptibility genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, on the identification of breast cancer‐associated changes regarding the genetics, expression, and localization of multiple DSB repair factors, and on observations indicating enhanced radiation‐induced chromosomal damage in cells from predisposed individuals and sporadic breast cancer patients. In this pilot study, we describe a sensitive method for the analysis of DSB repair functions in mammary carcinomas. Using this method we firstly document alterations in pathway‐specific DSB repair activities in primary cells originating from familial as well as sporadic breast cancer. In particular, we identified increases in the mutagenic nonhomologous end joining and single‐strand annealing mechanisms in sporadic breast cancers with wild‐type BRCA1 and BRCA2, and, thus, similar phenotypes to tumors with mutant alleles of BRCA1 and BRCA2. This suggests that detection of error‐prone DSB repair activities may be useful to extend the limits of genotypic characterization of high‐risk susceptibility genes. This method may, therefore, serve as a marker for breast cancer risk assessment and, even more importantly, for the prediction of responsiveness to targeted therapies such as to inhibitors of poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP1). © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary flavonoid intake and risk of cancer in postmenopausal women: The Iowa Women's Health Study
Authors: Cutler Gretchen J. , Nettleton Jennifer A. , Ross Julie A. , Harnack Lisa J. , Jacobs David R. , Scrafford Carolyn G. , Barraj Leila M. , Mink Pamela J. , Robien Kim
Published: May 2008

Flavonoids, which are found in certain plant foods, are thought to lower cancer risk through their antioxidant, antiestrogenic and antiproliferative properties. We examined the association of intake of total flavonoids and 7 flavonoid subclasses with risk of lung, colorectal, breast, pancreatic and upper aerodigestive cancer among women in a large prospective cohort study. Study participants were 34,708 postmenopausal women in the Iowa Women's Health Study who completed a food frequency questionnaire and were followed for cancer occurrence from 1986 through 2004. Flavonoid intake was estimated from 3 databases developed by the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL). Hazard ratios (HR) for cancer risk were calculated across total flavonoid and flavonoid subclass intake categories. Interactions between smoking history and flavonoid intake were also examined. After multivariable adjustment, lung cancer incidence was inversely associated with intakes of flavanones (HR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.53–0.86, all results highest vs. lowest quintile) and proanthocyanidins (HR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57–0.97). Among current and past smokers, those with intakes in the highest quintile for flavanones (HR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.50–0.86), and proanthocyanidins (HR = 0.66; 95% CI; 0.49–0.89) had significantly lower lung cancer incidence than those in the lowest quintile. Similar associations were not seen in never smokers. Isoflavone intake was inversely associated with overall cancer incidence (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86–1.00). This study provides further support for a beneficial effect of flavonoid intake on lung cancer risk, especially among current and past smokers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The electrochemical impedance of polarized 316L stainless steel: Structure‐property‐adsorption correlation
Authors: Gettens Robert T. T. , Gilbert Jeremy L.
Published: May 2008

Electrochemical (EC) impedance and polarization data were synergistically coupled with AFM micrographs providing insight on the polarized alloy–electrolyte interface. Several regions of oxide topography/ impedance characteristic were apparent on a 316L SS surface. A relatively rough surface with apparent EC reaction products was observed below −500 mV. Smooth surfaces were seen from −500 mV to 200 mV. A transition region which displayed the aggregation of particles on the surface was seen from 200 mV to 600 mV. Above 600 mV these particles disappeared revealing a smooth topography. These topographical observations matched closely with the impedance behavior of the system, particularly the capacitance (C), polarization resistance (Rp) and current density. The presence of pre‐adsorbed Fb had a significant impact on C below approximately −500 mV (increased capacitance). The deviation from ideality of the current response as determined by a KWW empirical dielectric decay function showed significant differences between PBS‐immersed and pre‐adsorbed Fb cases. Earlier, changes in Fb area coverage, height, and eccentricity were observed between voltages lower and higher than 0 mV. The presence of the flat‐band potential around −150 mV as well as high cathodic charge‐transfer reactions taking place below −100 mV relate to these observations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
In vivo evaluation of bone‐bonding ability of RGD‐coated porous implant using layer‐by‐layer electrostatic self‐assembly
Authors: Yang Guo‐Li , He Fu‐Ming , Yang Xiao‐Feng , Wang Xiao‐Xiang , Zhao Shi‐Fang
Published: May 2008

RGD has been demonstrated to improve implant osseointegration. However, few studies are known about an effect of RGD coating on a bone‐bonding ability of screw‐shaped porous implant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RGD coating using the layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly technique on the bone‐bonding ability of porous implant. 60 implants of 10 mm in length (30 control and 30 RGD‐coated) were inserted into femurs of 30 rabbits and 30 implants of 8 mm in length (15 control and 15 RGD‐coated) were inserted into tibias of 15 rabbits. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks post‐implantation, femurs and tibias were retrieved and prepared for removal torque tests (RTQ) and histomorphometric evaluation, respectively. No differences were found in the RTQ values between two implants at 4 weeks (p = 0.932). There were statistical significances in the RTQ values at 8 and 12 weeks (p = 0.002, 0.001, respectively). New bone was formed on both implant surfaces. The bone–implant contact pattern appeared to produce a broad‐based direct contact in both implants. The RGD‐coated implants showed a significantly greater BIC in the threads inside the cortical bone compared with the control implants at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (p = 0.024, 0.041, 0.022, respectively). No differences were found in the bone area within the same threads between two implants at 4 weeks (p = 0.806) whereas differences were found at 8 and 12 weeks (p = 0.009, 0.031, respectively). It was concluded that RGD coating using the layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly technique has a positive effect on the bone‐bonding ability of porous implant. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Electrochemical characteristic of TiNi shape memory alloy in artificial body fluids
Authors: Liang Chenghao , Huang Naibao
Published: May 2008

In this work, the electrochemical characteristic of TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) in Hank's solution was studied. The results indicated that low potential active dissolution of TiNi SMA occurred at a potential range of 150–250 mV during anodic polarizing. Its corrosion resistance was not affected by temperature, but was deeply affected by pH and Cl− ion concentration. Decreasing pH and improving Cl− ion concentration made the pitting broken potential (Eb) move toward negative and increased the sensitivity to pitting corrosion. Electro‐probe microanalyzer and scanning electron microscope analysis showed that low potential active dissolution resulted in forming Ti2Ni precipitation phase in the hole, which enriched Ti and deficient Ni, became the sensitive position to pitting corrosion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Periodontal ligament cellular structures engineered with electrospun poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanofibrous membrane scaffolds
Authors: Inanç Bülend , Arslan Y. Emre , Seker Sükran , Elçin A. Eser , Elçin Y. Murat
Published: May 2008

Periodontal tissue engineering is expected to overcome the limitations associated with the existing regenerative techniques for the treatment of periodontal defects involving alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. Cell‐based tissue engineering approaches involve the utilization of in vitro expanded cells with regenerative capacity and their delivery to the appropriate sites via biomaterial scaffolds. The aim of this study was to establish living periodontal ligament cell‐containing structures on electrospun poly(DL‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofiber membrane scaffolds, assess their viability and characteristics, and engineer multilayered structures amenable to easy handling. Human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells were expanded in explant culture and then characterized morphologically and immunohistochemically. PLGA nanofiber membranes were prepared by the electrospinning process; mechanical tensile properties were determined, surface topography, nanofiber size, and porosity status were investigated with SEM. Cells were seeded on the membranes at ∼50,000 cell/cm2 and cultured for 21 days either in expansion or in osteogenic induction medium. Cell adhesion and viability were demonstrated using SEM and MTT, respectively, and osteogenic differentiation was determined with IHC and immunohistomorphometric evaluation of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein marker expression. At days 3, 6, 9, and 12 additional cell/membrane layers were deposited on the existing ones and multilayered hybrid structures were established. Results indicate the feasibility of periodontal ligament cell‐containing tissue‐like structures engineering with PDL cells and electrospun nanofiber PLGA scaffolds supporting cell adhesion, viability and osteogenic differentiation properties of cells in hybrid structures amenable to macroscopic handling. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Influence of cross‐linker chemistry on release kinetics of PEG‐co‐PGA hydrogels
Authors: Bencherif Sidi A. , Sheehan Jeffrey A. , Hollinger Jeffrey O. , Walker Lynn M. , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Washburn Newell R.
Published: May 2008

An investigation of encapsulated plasmid DNA release from degradable poly(ethylene glycol)‐co‐poly(glycolic acid) hydrogels (PEG‐co‐PGA) is presented. We determined by varying the chemistry of the cross‐linker group, significant variations in hydrogel degradation kinetics could be achieved to control the release profiles of plasmid DNA. We prepared three analogues of PEG‐co‐PGA hydrogels by a photopolymerization process and measured variation in degradation rates by monitoring mechanical properties and release of plasmid DNA. 1H 1D DOSY NMR (one‐dimensional diffusion ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) was used to measure conversion of vinyl groups after photocross‐linking. Nearly full vinyl conversion was reached after 10 min exposure under ultraviolet light. Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed that plasmid DNA remained structurally intact after photoencapsulation and release from the gels. This approach provides an additional strategy for controlling the release of biologically active compounds from hydrogels. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
GDNF blended chitosan nerve guides: An in vivo study
Authors: Patel Minal , Mao Li , Wu Bin , VandeVord Pamela
Published: May 2008

Chitosan nerve guides are currently being utilized to repair damaged or injured peripheral nerves. To enhance the nerve regeneration process, instead of using the material alone, researchers are focusing on blending different proteins or molecules with chitosan to facilitate nerve repair and regeneration. In our study, we have blended chitosan with glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor and laminin within our nerve guides (GLC). The rat sciatic nerve injury model was used to test these nerve guides and histologically evaluated at 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Histologically at 6 weeks, the axon area and myelination are significantly higher in the GLC group compared with the controls. However, at 9 and 12 weeks control groups matched the GLC values. Thus the histological results indicate that GLC nerve guides can enhance the nerve regeneration process during the initial stages of nerve repair. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Nonfouling biomaterials based on polyethylene oxide‐containing amphiphilic triblock copolymers as surface modifying additives: Adsorption of proteins from human plasma to copolymer/polyurethane blends
Authors: Tan J. , Brash J.L.
Published: May 2008

Three polyethylene oxide‐polyurethane‐polyethylene oxide (PEO‐PU‐PEO) block copolymers of variable PEO block size (MW 550, 2000, and 5000) were used to modify the surface of a conventional segmented polyurethane (PU) with the objective of inhibiting interactions with proteins. The surface‐active copolymers were blended with the PU by solution methods. Protein adsorption from human plasma to the modified materials was investigated using radiolabeling and immunoblotting methods. From the radiolabeling experiments, it was found that fibrinogen adsorption from plasma to all of the modified surfaces was much lower than to the unmodified PU matrix. For blends of low copolymer content, resistance to adsorption was greatest on the copolymer 1 (PEO550)‐modified materials, and increased with increasing copolymer content for all three blend types. At high copolymer content inhibition of adsorption was very strong and independent of PEO block size. The immunoblotting experiments showed that on materials of high copolymer content (20 wt %), the proteins investigated (fibrinogen, albumin, complement C3, and apolipoprotein A‐I) were undetectable. At low copolymer content (≤5 wt %), the blends of copolymer 1, with the shortest PEO block, exhibited greater protein resistance than those of copolymers 2 and 3 (PEO blocks of MW 2000 and 5000, respectively), and resistance decreased with decreasing protein size. Evidence of complement activation was seen for the blends of low copolymer content. Adsorption of C3 and complement activation decreased with increasing content of the copolymers. It was concluded that surface density of PEO is more important than chain length for protein resistance in contact with plasma. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Tubular nanofiber scaffolds for tissue engineered small‐diameter vascular grafts
Authors: He Wei , Ma Zuwei , Teo Wee Eong , Dong Yi Xiang , Robless Peter Ashley , Lim Thiam Chye , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: May 2008

Quick establishment of a confluent and stable endothelial cells (ECs) layer in the lumen of vascular grafts is critical for long‐term patency of small‐diameter vascular grafts. The objective of the study was to fabricate tubular nanofiber scaffolds, incorporate ECs onto the lumen of the scaffolds, and establish an animal model to prove the basic concept of using the scaffolds as vascular grafts. Poly(L‐lactic acid)‐co‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) P(LLA‐CL 70:30) tubular nanofiber scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning onto a rotating mandrel. Collagen was coated onto the scaffolds after air plasma treatment. Structure and mechanical property of the scaffolds were studied by scanning electron microscopy and tensile stress measurement, respectively. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were rotationally seeded onto the lumen of the scaffolds at the speed of 6 rpm for 4 h through a customized seeding device, followed with static culture. Results showed evenly distributed and well‐spread HCAECs throughout the lumen of the scaffold from 1 day onward to 10 days after seeding. Further, HCAECs maintained phenotypic expression of PECAM‐1. To prove the basic concept of using the scaffolds as vascular grafts, acellular tubular P(LLA‐CL) nanofiber scaffolds (inner diameter 1 mm) were implanted into rabbits to replace the inferior superficial epigastric veins. Results showed the scaffolds sustained the surgical process, kept the structure integrity, and showed the patency for 7 weeks. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Reliability of one‐piece ceramic implant
Authors: Silva Nelson R. F. A. , Coelho Paulo G. , Fernandes Carlos A. O. , Navarro Jose M. , Dias Renata Alves , Thompson Van P.
Published: May 2008

The fundamental aspects of damage initiation and accumulation in one‐piece zirconium oxide endosseous dental implants remain to be investigated. Aims: This study tested the null hypothesis that there is no influence on mouth‐motion fatigue reliability and failure modes between as‐received and after full crown preparation on one‐piece ceramic implants. Methods: Forty‐eight one‐piece Y‐TZP ceramic implants (Nobel Biocare, Goteborg, Sweden) were utilized. All specimens were embedded in acrylic resin exposing the first two threads at 30° angulation with respect to the vertical axis (as per ISO specification 14801). Full crown preparations were performed following prosthodontic guidelines for half of the specimens. As‐received and prepared specimens were distributed among three step‐stress profiles based on the specimens ultimate fracture strength. Specimens were step‐stress fatigued until failure or survival. A master Weibull curve was generated from the data and the reliability for completion of a mission of 50,000 cycles at 600 N load calculated. Results: No differences between the groups' reliability was observed. Failure mode for both groups was similar, where cracks initiated mainly at the tensile bending side of the second thread's internal diameter. The low Weibull modulus (<1) indicates that fatigue (<150,000 cycles) did not influence failure. Failure depended upon the applied load. Conclusion: Crown preparation did not influence the reliability of the one‐piece ceramic implant. The null hypothesis was accepted. Fatigue did not influence the life time of ceramic implants at loads under 600 N. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Biaxial flexure strength and low temperature degradation of Ce‐TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite and Y‐TZP as dental restoratives
Authors: Ban Seiji , Sato Hideo , Suehiro Yasuhiko , Nakanishi Hideo , Nawa Masahiro
Published: May 2008

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical durability of a zirconia/alumina nanocomposite stabilized with cerium oxide (Ce‐TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite) in comparison to yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y‐TZP) and discuss its application on ceramic dental restorations. The disk‐shaped specimens of both materials were stored in physiological saline solution at 80°C for 30 days, in 4% acetic acid at 80°C for 30 days, and in an autoclave at 121°C for 10 days. Before and after storage, specimens were subjected to the biaxial flexure test and to the determination of the monoclinic zirconia content. After autoclaving, Y‐TZP showed remarkable increasing of the content of monoclinic zirconia: 0.3 vol % before and 49.9 vol % after, and slight decreasing of biaxial flexure strength: 1046 MPa before and 892 MPa after; whereas Ce‐TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite showed no significant difference in the monoclinic content (4.8–5.5 vol %) and the biaxial flexure strength (1371–1422 MPa) after storage in any conditions. It is concluded that, compared to Y‐TZP, the Ce‐TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite has a high biaxial flexure strength along with a satisfactory durability in terms of low‐temperature aging degradation in above conditions. This study indicates that the Ce‐TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite demonstrates excellent mechanical durability for dental restorations such as all‐ceramic bridges. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Induction of hepatocyte growth factor expression by maleic acid in human fibroblasts through MAPK activation
Authors: Motoki Takahiro , Sugiura Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Yohsuke , Tsuji Tomoe , Kubota Satoshi , Takigawa Masaharu , Gohda Eiichi
Published: May 2008

Carboxylic acids have various biological activities and play critical roles in cellular metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. It has been shown that some carboxylic acids induce cell proliferation and production of cytokines or growth factors. However, there have been no reports on effects of carboxylic acids on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression. In this study, we found that only maleic acid among various carboxylic acids examined markedly induced HGF production from human dermal fibroblasts. Maleic acid also induced HGF production from human lung fibroblasts and neuroblastoma cells. The stimulatory effect was accompanied by upregulation of HGF gene expression. Increase in phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) but not in phosphorylation of p38 was observed from 6 h and up to 24 h after maleic acid addition. The ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059 and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 potently inhibited maleic acid‐induced HGF production, while the p38 inhibitor SB203580 did not significantly inhibit the production. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide completely inhibited upregulation of HGF mRNA induced by maleic acid but superinduced HGF mRNA expression upregulated by 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA). These results suggest that maleic acid indirectly induced HGF expression from human dermal fibroblasts through activation of ERK and JNK and that de novo protein synthesis is required for maleic acid‐induced upregulation of HGF mRNA. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1465–1476, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐ and three‐dimensional prenatal sonographic diagnosis of hepatic cysts
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Grimes Charles K. , Blackstone Jacquelyn , Pinette Michael G. , Cartin Angelina
Published: May 2008

We describe the 2‐dimensional and 3‐dimensional multiplanar sonographic diagnosis and characterization of isolated hepatic cysts in 2 fetuses. Two‐dimensional imaging of a fetus at 36 weeks' gestation revealed 2 right upper quadrant cystic masses anterior to the gallbladder, demonstrating no peristalsis or blood flow. Postnatal sonographic examination confirmed 2 simple hepatic cysts. Two‐ and three‐dimensional sonograms suggested 2 hepatic cysts in a 23‐week‐old fetus that resolved by 33 weeks' gestation. In reporting 2 unusual cases of prenatally diagnosed fetal hepatic cysts, we also demonstrate the diagnostic use of 3‐dimensional multiplanar imaging. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Contributions to the study of oviparity–viviparity transition: Placentary structures of Liolaemus elongatus (Squamata: Liolaemidae)
Authors: Crocco Melisa , Ibarguengoytía, Nora R. , Cussac Víctor
Published: May 2008

Liolaemus elongatus (Liolaemidae) is a viviparous, mainly lecithotrophic species with placental structures specialized for uptake of oxygen and inorganic nutrient transport. An allantoplacenta and an omphaloplacenta are present during early embryonic stages (25–28) and there is a moderate distension of the uterine wall and major glandular activity in the uterine mucosa and submucosa compared with nonpregnant females. The uterine epithelium increases in height, first as a growth in the height of some dispersed cells localized in all regions of the placenta, and later as groups of cells localized in the periembryonic and central‐abembryonic regions. At embryonic stage 39, the allantoplacenta reaches its maximum extension around the yolk sac. Omphaloplacenta is restricted to the abembryonic zone, the yolk cleft limiting the newly formed isolated vitelline mass. At more advanced embryonic stages (39–42), the blood supply to the allantoplacenta's periembryonic zone increases, matching the profuse allantoic vascularization. At embryonic stage 42, a secondary cleft opens in the main vitelline mass, above the first yolk cleft, and allantoic blood vessels enter into this secondary cleft. This secondary cleft subdivides the vitelline mass into a large embryonic region connected to a much smaller abembryonic region. In L. elongatus most nutritional resources seem to be provided by the yolk that remains attached to the newborn for 2 or 3 days as an external supply. The embryo's wet weight doubles the weight of the decrease observed in vitelline mass. But the dry wet diminishes, evidencing the importance of the exchange of water and inorganic nutrients. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decoupling morphological development from growth in periodically cooled zebra finch embryos
Authors: Olson Christopher R. , Vleck Carol M. , Adams Dean C.
Published: May 2008

Temperature affects growth and development, and morphometry can provide a quantitative description of how temperature changes affect the resulting phenotype. We performed a morphometric analysis on zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) embryos that were either exposed to periodic cooling to 20 or 30°C throughout incubation over a background temperature of 37.5°C, or were incubated at a constant temperature of 37.5°C. Using a principle components analysis, we found that the relationship between the multivariate size (first principle component) and dry embryo mass depended upon the thermal treatment to which the developing embryos were exposed. Periodic cooling resulted in a smaller embryo mass, but had no effect on the multivariate size of the embryo. This suggests that the growth of phenotypic traits such as the length of long bones and the skull are less affected by temperature than is growth of other soft tissues such as muscle and organs that contribute to body mass. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The ontogeny of the shell in side‐necked turtles, with emphasis on the homologies of costal and neural bones
Authors: Scheyer Torsten M. , Brüllmann Benjamin , Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R.
Published: May 2008

Although we are starting to understand the molecular basis of shell development based on the study of cryptodires, basic comparative ontogenetic data for the other major clade of living turtle, the pleurodires, are largely missing. Herein, the developmental and phylogenetic relation between the bony shell and endoskeleton of Pleurodira are examined by studying histological serial sections of nine specimens of three different species, including an ontogenetic series of Emydura subglobosa. Emphasis is given to the portion of the carapace in which ribs and vertebral spinous processes become part of the carapace. Central questions are how neurals and costals are formed in pleurodiran turtles, whether costals and neurals are of endoskeletal or exoskeletal origin, and what ontogenetic factors relate to neural reduction of some Pleurodira. The neurals and costals do not develop as independent ossification centers, but they are initial outgrowths of the periosteal collar of endoskeletal ribs and neural arches. Slightly later in development, the ossification of both shell elements continues without a distinct periosteum but by metaplastically ossifying precondensed soft‐tissue integumentary structures. Through ontogeny, ribs of the turtles studied are closely associated with the hypaxial intercostalis musculature while epaxial interspinalis musculature connects the neural arches. We here propose an alternative structural hypothesis for the neural reduction and, ultimately, the complete loss of the neural series. The complete reduction of neurals in Emydura spp. may be linked to heterochrony, accompanied by a restricted influence of epaxial musculature and epidermal–dermal interaction in shell bone formation. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feeding ecology and morphology of the upper canines in bears (carnivora: Ursidae)
Authors: Christiansen Per
Published: May 2008

The morphology and mechanical strength of the upper canines in all eight extant species of ursids is analyzed, and the findings are discussed in relation to feeding ecology. Ursids have proportionally smaller canines than other large carnivores with a specialized feeding ecology, such as large felids, and the upper canine morphology is both canid‐like and felid‐like. The giant panda is the most divergent species, and its short, blunt, and cone‐like canines appear well adapted for tearing into bamboo. The almost equally herbivorous spectacled bear has a less derived canine morphology. The large canines of the sun bear are divergent from other ursine ursids, and may be an adaptation for tearing open tree trunks in search of insects. Discriminant Analysis is successful in separating ursid species on the basis of canine morphology, but the canines of ursine ursids, and also of the spectacled bear, show greater resemblance among the species than the marked differences in feeding ecology would suggest. This could be in part due to a short evolutionary history, and in part due to canines not having been subjected to much evolutionary selection as has been the case among other large carnivores, such as large felids. Ursids are probably evolutionarily and ecologically successful due to physical size and strength rather than a derived craniodental anatomy. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Holocene vegetation and climate dynamics of the boreal alpine ecotone of northwestern Fennoscandia
Authors: Jensen Christin , Vorren Karl‐Dag
Published: May 2008

Climate change with respect to summer temperature throughout the Holocene is inferred from oscillations in the local Pinus sylvestris, Alnus incana and Betula pubescens forest‐lines, as recorded by fossil pollen and plant macrofossils in lake sediments at four altitudinal levels. Mt Skrubben (848 m a.s.l.), in Dividalen, was deglaciated down to below 280 m a.s.l. during 10 800–10 300 cal. yr BP. Betula pubescens established 10100 cal. yr BP at 280 m a.s.l. and expanded up to near the summit during the next 700 years. Birch woodland prevailed on the mountain plateau until 3300 cal. yr BP. Local Pinus sylvestris stands are recorded up to 400 m a.s.l. at 8450 cal. yr BP and >548 m a.s.l. about 8160 cal. yr BP. Alnus incana expanded from 400 to nearly 790 m a.s.l. during the period 7900–7600 cal. yr BP. The maximum forest distribution lasted until ca. 6000 cal. yr BP. Marked climatic deteriorations caused lowering of the forest‐lines around 4600 and 3000 cal. yr BP. Reconstruction of the summer temperature indicated mean July temperatures at 400 m a.s.l. of 1.5–3°C above the present during the period of maximum forest expansion, whereas >3°C above the present temperature at 548 m a.s.l. This is in accordance with other regional temperature reconstructions from northern Europe. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitotic checkpoint gene MAD1 in hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with tumor recurrence after surgical resection
Authors: Nam Chang Woo , Park Neung Hwa , Park Bo Ryung , Shin Jung Woo , Jung Seok Won , Na Yang Won , Seo Jae Hee
Published: May 2008

Objective

Underlying mechanism of mitotic checkpoint gene mitosis arrest deficiency 1 (MAD1) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rarely known.

Materials and Methods

We studied genetic change of the MAD1 gene as well as protein expression in 44 HCC and their associated non‐cancerous surrounding liver tissues.

Results

Genotype AG of MAD1 G‐1849 A promoter was highly significant in microscopic vascular invasion than other genotypes (P = 0.006). Moreover, the mean tumor size of HCC with genotype AG (7.71 cm) was significantly larger than those of other genotypes (AA, 4.41 cm; GG, 4.59 cm; P = 0.033). After a median follow‐up of 22 months, 18 (41%) of the 44 patients relapsed. Eleven (32.4%) of 34 with MAD1 protein expression and 7 (70%) of 10 with no expression of MAD1 protein showed tumor recurrence. The incidence of tumor recurrence in patients with the lost MAD1 expression was significantly higher than in those with the expressed MAD1 protein (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

These results suggest that MAD1 promoter genotype may be involved in tumor progression. Moreover, the loss of MAD1 protein expression may be related to the tumor recurrence after surgical resection of HCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:567–571. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of retention indices of drugs based on immobilized artificial membrane chromatography using Projection Pursuit Regression and Local Lazy Regression
Authors: Du Hongying , Watzl June , Wang Jie , Zhang Xiaoyun , Yao Xiaojun , Hu Zhide
Published: May 2008

The relationship between the logarithm of retention indices (log kIAM) of 55 diverse drugs in immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) chromatography and molecular structure descriptors was established by linear and non‐linear modeling methods – Projection Pursuit Regression (PPR) and lazy learning method‐Local Lazy Regression (LLR). The descriptors calculated from the molecular structures by the software CODESSA and a widely accepted property parameter ClogP were used to represent the characteristics of the compounds. The best multi‐linear regression (BMLR) method in the CODESSA was used to select the most important molecular descriptors from a large set of descriptors and to develop the linear and non‐linear quantitative structure retention relationship (QSRR) models. By comparing these different methods, the LLR model gave the best predictive results for the drugs studied in the present work with the square of correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9540, 0.9305; root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.2418, 0.3949; for the training set and test set, respectively. It was proved that the LLR method was a promising method for QSRR modeling with good predictive capability for the retention indices of drugs in immobilized artificial membrane chromatography, and could be used in other similar chromatography research fields.
Chromatographic analysis of banned antibacterial growth promoters in animal feed
Authors: Samanidou Victoria F. , Evaggelopoulou Evaggelia N.
Published: May 2008

The issue of antimicrobial use in animals used as food is of global concern. Antimicrobials are used in animal agriculture to improve health and welfare of animals, meat quality, the economic efficiency of growth and production and public health by decreasing shedding of zoonotic pathogens. However, large quantities are often used without professional supervision. The growth‐promotant (now reclassified as zootechnical feed additives) effect of low levels of antibiotics in animal feeds was first described in the late 1940s. Already in 1969 the Swann Committee recommended that use of antibiotics as a supplement in animal feedstuff should be restricted to those with little or no application as therapeutic agents for humans and animals, which would not impair the efficacy of therapeutic antibiotics through the development of resistant strains of organisms. Antimicrobials like avoparcin, ardacin, zinc bacitracin, virginiamycin, tylosin, spriramycin, carbadox and olaquindox were withdrawn within the period 1997–1999. Four others (monensin sodium, salinomycin sodium, avilamycin and flavophospholipol) were still permitted for use as growth promoters in animal feed to animals marketed in the European Union (EU). Since January 2006, they have been banned as well. This review focuses on the analytical methods developed to be an effective tool for monitoring compliance with the ban.
Cyclodextrins in capillary electrophoresis enantioseparations – Recent developments and applications
Authors: Scriba Gerhard K. E.V.
Published: May 2008

Capillary EKC has been established as a versatile and robust CE method for the separation of enantiomers. Within the chiral selectors added to the BGE CDs continue as the most widely used selectors due to their structural variety and commercial availability. This is reflected in the large number of practical applications of CDs to analytical enantioseparations that have been reported between January 2006 and January 2008, the period of time covered by this review. Most of these applications cover aspects of life sciences such as drug analysis, bioanalysis, environmental analysis, or food analysis. Moreover, new CD derivatives have been developed in an attempt to achieve altered enantioselectivities and to further broaden the application range. Finally, efforts will be summarized that aim at an understanding of the molecular level of the chiral recognition between CDs and the analytes.
Facts and artifacts in proteomics of body fluids. What proteomics of saliva is telling us?
Authors: Messana Irene , Inzitari Rosanna , Fanali Chiara , Cabras Tiziana , Castagnola Massimo
Published: May 2008

This review briefly depicts several salient points of the current status of knowledge on salivary peptidoma. It outlines the intrinsic difficulties in its characterization connected to different factors of variability, such as: i) the high genetic polymorphisms, complicated by individual insertions/deletions and alternative splicing; ii) complex post‐translational maturations comprehending different proteolytic cleavages, glycosylation, phosphorylation and sulfation processes; iii) physiological variations and different contributions to the whole. Moreover, several technological and analytical problems and pitfalls that had to be surmounted during our studies focussed on the extensive qualitative and quantitative characterization of salivary peptidoma and mainly based on LC‐MS analyses of intact naturally occurring peptides are here described. The hope is that the information provided might be helpful to other groups engaged on the analysis of saliva or other body fluids for clinical applications.
Fibre gratings and devices for sensors and lasers
Authors: Canning J.
Published: May 2008

Although mainstream grating writing, more often than not using single photon excitation of germanosilicate based defects with CW 244 nm light, remains the key technology for complex devices it is now being complemented by a whole host of processes which can enhance and tailor the properties of both conventional and not‐so‐conventional fibre Bragg gratings. Further, processes for writing of gratings in non‐germanosilicate fibres have also continued to develop and include multi‐photon excitation directly into the band edge of the glass. It is now possible to custom tailor a gratings property based on the application and the nature of production as well as custom tailor the grating writing process to suit the type of fibre and application. Examples and suggestions where these can benefit sensors and lasers are outlined.
New Synthesis Method Using Magnesium Alkoxides as Carrier Materials for Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts with Spherical Morphology
Authors: Tanase Shohjiroh , Katayama Kiyokazu , Inasawa Susumu , Okada Fumio , Yamaguchi Yukio , Sadashima Takanori , Yabunouchi Nobuhiro , Konakazawa Takehito , Junke Tadanori , Ishihara Nobuhide
Published: May 2008

In this study, novel carrier materials were synthesized by addition of metal dihalide compounds in the synthesis reaction of magnesium diethoxide using metallic magnesium, ethanol and iodine. Poly(propylene) polymerizations were then investigated with the MgCl2‐supported TiCl4 catalysts using these carrier materials. As results, magnesium diethoxide with extremely large particle sizes and spherical shapes were obtained and the angles of repose of PP particles obtained by using their catalysts as a flowability index showed high values. Furthermore, in order to confirm key points for excellent catalyst performance from detailed characterizations, SEM images, compositions and WAXS were measured.

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