bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Minimal Salt Medium for Efficient Phenanthrene Biodegradation by Mycoplana sp. MVMB2 Isolated from Petroleum Contaminated Soil Using Factorial Design Experiments
Authors: Brinda Lakshmi Mahalingam , Muthukumar Karuppan , Velan Manickam
Published: November 2012

This study presents the degradation of phenanthrene by Mycoplana sp. MVMB2 isolated from petroleum contaminated soil and the media optimization by factorial design experiments. The Plackett–Burman design was used to evaluate the effects of eight variables (potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, ferrous sulfate, glucose, inoculum concentration, and phenanthrene concentration) on phenanthrene degradation. Based on the results, the critical medium components having significant influence on the degradation were found to be disodium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium sulfate, ferrous sulfate, and phenanthrene. Furthermore, these four variables were used as central composite design parameters. The optimum minimal salt medium composition obtained by conventional and factorial design experiments for the degradation of phenanthrene by Mycoplana sp. MVMB2 at pH 6.5 and 30°C were found to be, potassium 2.5 g/L dihydrogen phosphate, 0.3505 g/L disodium hydrogen phosphate, 0.5501 g/L magnesium sulfate, 0.02 g/L calcium chloride, 0.0261 g/L ferrous sulfate, 0.6756 g/L phenanthrene, 0.5 g/L glucose, 0.5 g/L ammonium sulfate, and inoculum 5% v/v. The phenanthrene degradation was confirmed by analyzing the metabolites formed.
Bacteria‐removing and Bactericidal Efficiencies of PDADMAC Composite Coagulants in Enhanced Coagulation Treatment
Authors: Zhao Xiaolei , Zhang Yuejun
Published: November 2012

Enhanced coagulation treatment of bacteria‐containing raw water was studied by using three series of composite coagulants, that were prepared by combining polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) with different intrinsic viscosity values (0.55–2.47 dL/g) and mass percentages (5–20%) with polyaluminum chloride (PAC), aluminum sulfate (AS), and the composite of aluminum sulfate and ferric chloride (A‐F), respectively. The coagulants were tested by jar tests for the efficiencies to remove bacteria in raw water and to kill bacteria in settled sludge. It was found that when the residual turbidity of supernatant after sedimentation reached the control standard of 2 NTU in drinking water plant, the bacteria‐removing rates of PAC, AS, and A‐F were 92.22, 92.60, and 94.99%, respectively, and the bactericidal rates were 2.52, 1.22, and 2.94%, respectively. Contrastively, the bacteria‐removing rates of PAC/PDADMAC, AS/PDADMAC, and A‐F/PDADMAC could reach 95.45, 96.90, and 98.89%, respectively, and the bactericidal rates could reach 86.60, 91.81, and 96.98%, respectively. It could be deduced from the results that the bactericidal efficiencies of composite coagulants stemmed from the bactericidal action of PDADMAC, and the inorganic coagulants had little bactericidal function.
Acrylic Acid‐Allylpolyethoxy Carboxylate Copolymer as an Effective Inhibitor for Calcium Phosphate and Iron(III) Scales in Cooling Water Systems
Authors: Liu Guangqing , Zhou Yuming , Huang Jingyi , Yao Qingzhao , Ling Lei , Zhang Peixin , Fu Change , Wu Wendao , Sun Wei , Hu Zhengjun
Published: November 2012

A novel type of calcium phosphate and iron(III) scale inhibitor acrylic acid‐allylpolyethoxy carboxylate AA‐APELn (ALn) was synthesized. The observation shows that the adsorption of the ALn copolymer on the crystal surface caused deformation of calcium phosphate crystal morphology. Furthermore, both calcium phosphate and iron(III) inhibition increase with increasing the degree of polymerization of ALn from 5 to 15, and the dosage of ALn plays an important role on calcium phosphate and iron(III) inhibition. Inhibition mechanism is proposed that the interactions between calcium or iron ions and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are the fundamental impetus to restrain the formation of the scale in cooling water systems.
Ultrastructure and motility of the spermatozoa of Polypedates leucomystax (Amphibia, Anura, Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Muto Kohei , Kubota Hiroshi Y.
Published: November 2012

Sperm morphology is thought to be shaped by evolutionary pressure from the fertilization environment. Rhacophoridae (Amphibia, Anura) include both foam‐nesting and nonfoam‐nesting species and exhibit a variety of sperm morphologies. Here, we examine the sperm morphology and motility of a foam‐nesting Rhacophoridae frog, Polypedates leucomystax. Their spermatozoa have a sickle‐shaped head and a thick tail containing two axonemes with their doublet microtubule ones (Db1s) facing one another. These two axonemes are surrounded by hundreds of satellite microtubules that form a hexagonal lattice structure. The spermatozoa move spirally by directly converting their tail movements into propulsion force, similar to the movement of the sickle‐shaped spermatozoa of Xenopus laevis. By comparing the spermatozoa of P. leucomystax to those of other foam‐nesting Rhacophoridae frogs, Rhacophorus and Chiromantis, and to the nonfoam‐nesting Rhacophoridae frog, Buergeria buergeri, we found the following: (i) Spermatozoa of foam‐nesting Rhacophoridae share common morphological features, a pair of axonemes and crystallized satellite microtubules. (ii) Spermatozoa of nonfoam‐nesting Rhacophoridae do not exhibit these features. (iii) Sperm motility in foam‐nesting Rhacophoridae is adapted to viscous environments. (iv) A diversity of sperm morphology and motility exists even among foam‐nesting Rhacophoridae frogs. (v) The spermatozoa of Rhacophorus are more adapted to the foam nest than the spermatozoa of Polypedates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Calcium‐phosphate microprecipitates mimic microparticles when examined with flow cytometry
Authors: Larson Michael C. , Luthi Maia R. , Hogg Neil , Hillery Cheryl A.
Published: November 2012

There are increased levels of circulating microparticles (MPs) in several disease states. Flow cytometry is a common method to examine MPs, but their small size necessitates the use of markers to distinguish specifically MPs from artifact. Annexin V, which binds phosphatidylserine, is a commonly used marker for MP detection. Annexin V requires millimolar calcium ion for optimum binding. Ca++ can precipitate with phosphate in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Calcium‐phosphate microprecipitates were formed by titrating Ca++ into PBS and examined using flow cytometry. Calcium‐phosphate microprecipitates were compared with MPs derived from aged donor blood units. Microprecipitates were ∼0.7–0.9 μm in diameter compared with standard beads of known size. The microprecipitates disappeared with the addition of Ca++ chelator. When we added fluorescently labeled antibodies to microprecipitates, the median fluorescent signal increased with increasing Ca++ concentration regardless of specificity of the antibody. When repeated with a biological sample, there was an apparent increase in the fluorescent signal that returned to baseline after Ca++ chelation. The flow cytometry signal of calcium‐phosphate microprecipitates overlaps with the MP signal. Since Ca++ is essential for annexin V binding, it is essential to avoid artifacts from calcium‐phosphate microprecipitates when using any buffer or biological fluid containing phosphate. This also highlights the potential utility of flow cytometry for the analysis of crystals in biological fluids. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Deep sympatric mitochondrial divergence without reproductive isolation in the common redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Authors: Hogner Silje , Laskemoen Terje , Lifjeld Jan T. , Porkert Jiri , Kleven Oddmund , Albayrak Tamer , Kabasakal Bekir , Johnsen Arild
Published: November 2012

Mitochondrial DNA usually shows low sequence variation within and high sequence divergence among species, which makes it a useful marker for phylogenetic inference and DNA barcoding. A previous study on the common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) revealed two very different mtDNA haplogroups (5% K2P distance). This divergence is comparable to that among many sister species; however, both haplogroups coexist and interbreed in Europe today. Herein, we describe the phylogeographic pattern of these lineages and test hypotheses for how such high diversity in mtDNA has evolved. We found no evidence for mitochondrial pseudogenes confirming that both haplotypes are of mitochondrial origin. When testing for possible reproductive barriers, we found no evidence for lineage‐specific assortative mating and no difference in sperm morphology, indicating that they are not examples of cryptic species, nor likely to reflect the early stages of speciation. A gene tree based on a short fragment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 from the common redstart and 10 other Phoenicurus species, showed no introgression from any of the extant congenerics. However, introgression from an extinct congeneric cannot be excluded. Sequences from two nuclear introns did not show a similar differentiation into two distinct groups. Mismatch distributions indicated that the lineages have undergone similar demographic changes. Taken together, these results confirm that deeply divergent mitochondrial lineages can coexist in biological species. Sympatric mtDNA divergences are relatively rare in birds, but the fact that they occur argues against the use of threshold mtDNA divergences in species delineation.
Common garden experiments reveal uncommon responses across temperatures, locations, and species of ants
Authors: Pelini Shannon L. , Diamond Sarah E. , MacLean Heidi , Ellison Aaron M. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Sanders Nathan J. , Dunn Robert R.
Published: November 2012

Population changes and shifts in geographic range boundaries induced by climate change have been documented for many insect species. On the basis of such studies, ecological forecasting models predict that, in the absence of dispersal and resource barriers, many species will exhibit large shifts in abundance and geographic range in response to warming. However, species are composed of individual populations, which may be subject to different selection pressures and therefore may be differentially responsive to environmental change. Asystematic responses across populations and species to warming will alter ecological communities differently across space. Common garden experiments can provide a more mechanistic understanding of the causes of compositional and spatial variation in responses to warming. Such experiments are useful for determining if geographically separated populations and co‐occurring species respond differently to warming, and they provide the opportunity to compare effects of warming on fitness (survivorship and reproduction). We exposed colonies of two common ant species in the eastern United States, Aphaenogaster rudis and Temnothorax curvispinosus, collected along a latitudinal gradient from Massachusetts to North Carolina, to growth chamber treatments that simulated current and projected temperatures in central Massachusetts and central North Carolina within the next century. Regardless of source location, colonies of A. rudis, a keystone seed disperser, experienced high mortality and low brood production in the warmest temperature treatment. Colonies of T. curvispinosus from cooler locations experienced increased mortality in the warmest rearing temperatures, but colonies from the warmest locales did not. Our results suggest that populations of some common species may exhibit uniform declines in response to warming across their geographic ranges, whereas other species will respond differently to warming in different parts of their geographic ranges. Our results suggest that differential responses of populations and species must be incorporated into projections of range shifts in a changing climate.
Flt3 ligand expands CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in human subjects
Authors: Klein Oliver , Ebert Lisa M. , Zanker Damien , Woods Katherine , Tan Bee Shin , Fucikova Jitka , Behren Andreas , Davis Ian D. , Maraskovsky Eugene , Chen Weisan , Cebon Jonathan
Published: November 2012

CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ naturally occurring regulatory T (Treg) cells play a crucial role in the maintenance of immune tolerance and in preventing autoimmune pathology. Interventions that expand Treg cells are highly desirable, as they may offer novel treatment options in a variety of autoimmune and transplantation settings. Paralleling previous preclinical studies, we demonstrate here that administration of the hematopoietic growth factor Flt3L to human subjects increases the frequency and absolute number of Treg cells, and reduces the ratio of CD8+ T cells to Treg cells in the peripheral blood. The increase in Treg cells was due to enhanced Treg‐cell proliferation rather than release of Treg cells from the thymus. Further studies revealed that Flt3L‐induced proliferation of Treg cells was an indirect effect that occurred via the interaction of Treg cells with the Flt3L‐expanded pool of CD1c+ myeloid dendritic cells. On the basis of these findings, Flt3L may represent a promising agent for promoting immune tolerance in a variety of clinical settings.
Improvement in the efficacy of dexketoprofen by its prodrug in lipid emulsion
Authors: Gao Renchao , Ren Tianyang , Feng Jia , Wang Jing , Weng Yan , Yang Rui , Tang Xing
Published: November 2012

A lipid emulsion delivery system was developed to improve the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐nociceptive activities of dexketoprofen. The dexketoprofen isopropyl ester (DE) lipid emulsion (DEE) with a particle size of 208.1 ± 33.1 nm and a charge of −34.81 mV was administered to rats and then compared with dexketoprofen injection solution (DS). There was no statistical significance in their pharmacokinetic parameters. The anti‐inflammatory effect of DEE was evaluated by experiments involving egg‐albumin‐induced paw edema in rats and xylene‐induced ear swelling in mice. In the paw edema test, the swelling of the DEE group recovered quickly from 1 to 3 h (p<0.05), compared with the DS group. In the ear swelling test, the inhibition rate produced by DEE and DS was 57.79 and 28.57%, respectively. Acetic acid‐induced abdominal constriction and hot‐plate experiments were used to evaluate the peripheral and central anti‐nociceptive actions of DEE. In the acetic acid‐induced abdominal constriction test, DEE significantly restrained the writhing responses with a pain inhibition rate of 66.38% compared with 30.06% for the DS group. In the hot‐plate test, both preparations had a similar pain threshold increasing percentage. This study shows that the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐nociceptive activities of dexketoprofen are markedly improved after incorporation into a lipid emulsion.

Practical applications: Dexketoprofen is an important drug for the management of inflammation and treatment of pain. However, its commercial preparations have usually been applied to treat diseases which are less serious because of their limited efficiencies. In this study, the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐nociceptive activities of dexketoprofen are markedly improved by incorporating its prodrug into the lipid emulsion. Therefore, the lipid emulsion preparation can be used to treat more kinds of inflammation and pain in clinic.
Synthesis of γ‐Oxo γ‐Aryl and γ‐Aryl α‐Amino Acids from Aromatic Aldehydes and Serine
Authors: Chacko Shibin , Ramapanicker Ramesh
Published: November 2012

γ‐Oxo α‐amino acids and γ‐aryl α‐amino acids are compounds with very interesting biological properties and are active components of many drug molecules. Oxo amino acids are also used as synthetic precursors for a number of unnatural amino acids and amino alcohols. We report a very efficient synthesis of such compounds through the coupling of aromatic dithianes, prepared from aromatic aldehydes and an iodide derivative of serine. The dithiane groups in compounds thus obtained can be either hydrolyzed or reduced to generate 4‐oxo‐4‐aryl or 4‐aryl 2‐amino butanol derivatives, respectively, which, on further transformations, can be converted into the title compounds. Starting with L‐serine provides the corresponding D‐amino acids with complete enantiopurity. The reported method is economically viable and complements the existing methods, which rely largely on cross‐coupling reactions.
Hyaluronic acid‐dependent protection against alkali‐burned human corneal cells
Authors: Wu Chieh‐Lin , Chou Hsiu‐Chuan , Li Ji‐Min , Chen Yi‐Wen , Chen Jui‐Hsiang , Chen Yu‐Hua , Chan Hong‐Lin
Published: November 2012

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a high‐molecular‐weight glycosaminoglycan and extracellular matrix component that promotes cell proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HA on alkali‐injured human corneal epithelial cells in vitro, and to elucidate the mechanisms by which HA mediates corneal cell protection. A human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE‐2) was treated with sodium hydroxide before incubation with low‐molecular‐weight HA (LMW‐HA, 127 kDa) or high‐molecular‐weight HA (HMW‐HA, 1525 kDa). A global proteomic analysis was then performed. Our data indicated that HA treatment protects corneal epithelial cells from alkali injury, and that the molecular weight of HA is a crucial factor in determining its effects. Only HMW‐HA reduced NaOH‐induced cytotoxic effects in corneal cells significantly and increased their migratory and wound healing ability. Results from 2D‐DIGE and MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS analyses indicated that HMW‐HA modulates biosynthetic pathways, cell migration, cell outgrowth, and protein degradation to stimulate wound healing and prevent cell death. To our knowledge, our study is the first to report the possible mechanisms by which HMW‐HA promotes repair in alkali‐injured human corneal epithelial cells.
Detection of silver nanoparticles on a lab‐on‐chip platform
Authors: Chua Chun Kiang , Pumera Martin
Published: November 2012

The prevalent use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in commercial goods has brought forth an urgent need for environmental salvation. With the global river systems being contaminated by AgNPs, fast and efficient detection systems are needed to trace the presence of AgNPs in common water to prevent detrimental effects to the public health. In this work, the detection of AgNPs via electrochemical oxidation has been achieved on a “Lab‐on‐chip” platform. This platform provides a fast, convenient, and portable detection system for the detection of AgNPs in common water.
Optimization studies for hybrid and storage designs for parabolic solar trough systems with the system advisor model
Authors: Jain Amit , Chalapathi Rao P.N.B.V. , Choudhury Poulami , Mehta Rajeev , Mittal Susheel K.
Published: November 2012

India is fast realizing its need to reduce its dependence on carbon intensive, nonrenewable energy sources and shift its focus to making greater use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) is one of the several programs launched by Government of India to capitalize on country's enormous solar potential. One of the aims of JNNSM includes construction of concentrated solar power (CSP) demonstration projects, particularly in the north‐western region which is blessed with high direct normal irradiation (DNI). In this study, system advisor model (SAM) has been used to develop technical performance and energy generation cost estimates for different parabolic trough designs. The different plant designs include two solar‐only plants (differing in solar multiples) without storage or hybridization, one solar‐only plant with storage capacity of 4 h, and one solar trough plant integrated with natural gas hybridization. Trough plant steam cycle performance is modeled in SAM using Jodhpur, Rajasthan as the reference site. This analysis aims to provide vital technical criteria and levelized energy cost estimates that can prove instrumental for the design of CSP demonstration plants in Rajasthan. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1247–1254, 2013
e‐SPC: new approaches to delivering drug information
Authors: Maxwell Simon , Eichler Hans‐Georg , Bucsics Anna , Haefeli Walter E , Gustafsson Lars L
Published: November 2012

Prescribing medicines safely and effectively represents one of the greatest challenges for healthcare systems. Prescribing errors are common. A recent prospective observational study in the UK suggested that 10% of hospital prescriptions contained errors and that senior doctors were almost as frequently culpable as those who had recently graduated.1 Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A set of specific miRNAs is connected with murine and human gastric cancer
Authors: Shah Aftab Ali , Leidinger Petra , Backes Christina , Keller Andreas , Karpinski Pawel , Sasiadek Maria M. , Blin Nikolaus , Meese Eckart
Published: November 2012

MircoRNAs as a new class of regulatory molecules have been investigated in many specific cells and organs in healthy and diseased conditions. Although miRNA signatures can be directly assessed in patients' affected tissues such as tumor sections, recent studies revealed that miRNA profiles can also be obtained indirectly, that is, from the patients' peripheral blood. For better understanding of miRNA's contribution to gastric carcinoma (one of the leading causes of cancer‐related mortality worldwide), we screened for deregulated miRNAs in blood collected from human cancer patients and compared the expression patterns with a gastric carcinoma mouse model (Tff1 knock‐out). The profiles were assessed using species‐specific miRNA microarrays. Among many dozens of deregulated miRNAs (219 in H. sapiens; 75 in M. musculus), a subset of eight miRNAs comparable in sequence from both species was noted. By in silico analysis, their involvement in targeting neoplastic and MAPkinase pathways was demonstrated. We found a high probability of linkage of all noted miRNAs to pathways in cancer with P‐values of 0.013 and 0.018 in mice and humans, respectively. Linkage to the MAPK‐signaling pathway in mice was observed with a P‐value of 0.01. Moreover, when comparing the 219 deregulated miRNAs obtained from blood with deregulated miRNAs derived from gastric cancer (GC) tissues, as published previously, 24 miRNAs were identical. If confirmed in a larger patient pool, these miRNAs could constitute appropriate blood‐born biomarkers for GC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PARK2 and PACRG are commonly downregulated in clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma and are associated with aggressive disease and poor clinical outcome
Authors: Toma Marieta I. , Wuttig Daniela , Kaiser Sandy , Herr Alexander , Weber Thomas , Zastrow Stefan , Koch Rainer , Meinhardt Matthias , Baretton Gustavo B. , Wirth Manfred P. , Fuessel Susanne
Published: November 2012

PARK2 is an E3 ligase, known to be involved in ubiquitination of several proteins and to play a role in neuronal protection. The gene PARK2 and its potentially co‐regulated gene PACRG have been previously found to be deleted in clear‐cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs). The aim of our study was to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of PARK2 and PACRG in a large cohort of ccRCC, and to investigate their association with outcome. The expression of both genes was measured by quantitative PCR in 94 primary ccRCCs and autologous nonmalignant kidney tissues. PACRG and PARK2 protein expression was determined immunohistochemically using tissue microarrays comprising 133 ccRCCs. The mRNA and protein expression of PARK2 and PACRG was significantly downregulated in ccRCCs compared with nonmalignant tissues. Low levels of PARK2 mRNA were associated with high‐grade ccRCC and lymph node metastasis. Patients with low PARK2 mRNA levels showed a higher tumor‐specific mortality rate and a shorter overall survival (OS) than those with high PARK2 expression. Patients without PACRG mRNA expression in the tumor had a shorter disease‐free survival and OS than those with tumors expressing PACRG. In multivariate analyses, neither PARK2 nor PACRG expression were independent prognostic factors. The protein expression of PARK2 and PACRG was significantly downregulated in ccRCCs (82.8, and 96.9%, respectively), but no association with clinical outcome was noticed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cholesterol and Alzheimer's disease: A still poorly understood correlation
Authors: Ricciarelli Roberta , Canepa Elisa , Marengo Barbara , Marinari Umberto M. , Poli Giuseppe , Pronzato Maria A. , Domenicotti Cinzia
Published: November 2012

A large amount of evidence suggests a pathogenic link between cholesterol homeostasis dysregulation and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In cell culture systems, the production of amyloid‐β (Aβ) is modulated by cholesterol, and studies on animal models have consistently demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia is associated with an increased deposition of cerebral Aβ peptides. Consequently, a number of epidemiological studies have examined the effects of cholesterol‐lowering drugs (i.e., statins) in the prevention and the treatment of AD. However, while retrospective studies suggested a potential benefit of statin therapy, clinical trials produced inconsistent results. Here, we summarize the main findings from in vitro and in vivo research where the correlation between cholesterol and the neurodegenerative disorder was investigated. Recognition of this correlation could be an important step forward for our understanding of AD pathogenesis and, possibly, for the development of new therapeutic strategies. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(12): 931–935, 2012
An exploratory study of the interplay between decreased concentration of tryptophan, accumulation of kynurenines, and inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Kolodziej Lukasz
Published: November 2012

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which influences a wide range of physiological processes, including mood, cognition, and immunity. In the autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the induction of tryptophan catabolism may help to diminish exacerbated immune responses. In this study, using collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice which is an animal model of RA, the endogenous activity of the kynurenine pathway in the immune system was monitored before and after onset of the disease. An increased rate of the initiation of tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway throughout CIA has been observed. However, decreased tryptophan concentration in the lymph nodes from pre‐arthritic mice was not enough to prevent development of CIA. In contrast, resolution of inflammation coincided with the decreased concentration of tryptophan and accumulation of its catabolites: kynurenine, anthranilic acid, and 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid in lymph nodes but not in the spleen. In addition, the lack of the accumulation of kynurenine and its downstream metabolites in the pre‐arthritic lymph nodes coincided with increased mRNA expression for genes involved in the catabolism of kynurenine (Kynureninase, kynurenine 3‐monooxygenase, and 3‐hydroxyanthranilate 3,4 dioxygenase). However, in the lymph nodes from mice with established CIA, mRNA expression for these genes was normalized. Hence, keeping in mind an exploratory character of the results, it can be postulated that an anti‐inflammatory role of the kynurenine pathway reaches its full potential only when decreased concentration of tryptophan coincides with accumulation of kynurenines driven by metabolic regulation of gene expression on the kynurenine pathway. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(12): 983–987, 2012
FTIR microspectroscopy of selected rare diverse sub‐variants of carcinoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: Hughes Caryn , Iqbal‐Wahid Junaid , Brown Michael , Shanks Jonathan H. , Eustace Amanda , Denley Helen , Hoskin Peter J. , West Catharine , Clarke Noel W. , Gardner Peter
Published: November 2012

Urothelial carcinomas of the bladder are a heterogeneous group of tumours, although some histological sub‐variants are rare and sparsely reported in the literature. Diagnosis of sub‐variants from conventional urothelial carcinoma can be challenging, as they may mimic the morphology of other malignancies or benign tumours and therefore their distinction is important. For the first time, the spectral pathology of some of these sub‐variants has been documented by infrared microspectroscopy and an attempt made to profile their biochemistry. It is important not only to identify and separate the cancer‐associated epithelial tissue spectra from common tissue features such as stroma or blood, but also to detect the signatures of tumour sub‐variants. As shown, their spectroscopic signals can change dramatically as a consequence of differentiation. Example cases are discussed and compared with histological evaluations. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Molecular photoacoustic tomography of breast cancer using receptor targeted magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as contrast agents
Authors: Xi Lei , Grobmyer Stephen R. , Zhou Guangyin , Qian Weiping , Yang Lily , Jiang Huabei
Published: November 2012

In this report, we present a breast imaging technique combining high‐resolution near‐infrared (NIR) light induced photoacoustic tomography (PAT) with NIR dye‐labeled amino‐terminal fragments of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) targeted magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NIR830‐ATF‐IONP) for breast cancer imaging using an orthotopic mouse mammary tumor model. We show that accumulation of the targeted nanoparticles in the tumor led to photoacoustic contrast enhancement due to the high absorption of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP). NIR fluorescence images were used to validate specific delivery of NIR830‐ATF‐IONP to mouse mammary tumors. We found that systemic delivery of the targeted IONP produced 4‐ and 10‐fold enhancement in photoacoustic signals in the tumor, compared to the tumor of the mice that received non‐targeted IONP or control mice. The use of targeted nanoparticles allowed imaging of tumors located as deep as 3.1 cm beneath the normal tissues. Our study indicates the potential of the combination of photoacoustic tomography and receptor‐targeted NIR830‐ATF‐IONP as a clinical tool that can provide improved specificity and sensitivity for breast cancer detection. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An in vitro study of the photodynamic effect of rose bengal on trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Cronin Leah , Moffitt Michelle , Mawad Damia , Morton Oliver C. , Lauto Antonio , Stack Colin
Published: November 2012

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the finger or toenails, is predominantly caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Treatment is difficult due to high recurrence rates and problems with treatment compliance. For these reasons, alternative therapies are needed. Here we describe the photoactivation of Rose Bengal (RB) using a green laser (λ = 532 nm) at fluences of 68, 133 and 228 J/cm2, and assess its fungicidal activity on T. rubrum spore suspensions. A 140 µM RB solution was able to induce a fungicidal effect on T. rubrum when photosensitized with the fluence of 228 J/cm2. RB photosensitization using a green laser provides a potential novel treatment for T. rubrum infections. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Silk fibroin‐based scaffolds for bone regeneration
Authors: Kuboyama Noboru , Kiba Hideo , Arai Kiyoshi , Uchida Ryoichiro , Tanimoto Yasuhiro , Bhawal Ujjal K. , Abiko Yoshimitsu , Miyamoto Sayaka , Knight David , Asakura Tetsuo , Nishiyama Norihiro
Published: November 2012

Porous scaffolds were prepared using regenerated Bombyx mori silk fibroin dissolved in water or hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). The effects of these two preparations on the formation and growth of new bone on implantation into the rabbit femoral epicondyle was examined. The aqueous‐based fibroin (A‐F) scaffold exhibited significantly greater osteoconductivity as judged by bone volume, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density at the implant site than the HFIP‐based fibroin (HFIP‐F) scaffold. Micro‐CT analyses showed that the morphology of the newly formed bone differed significantly in the two types of silk fibroin scaffold. After 4 weeks of implantation, new trabecular bone was seen inside the pores of the A‐F scaffold implant while the HFIP‐F scaffold only contained necrotic cells. No trabecular bone was seen within the pores of the latter scaffolds, although the pores of these did contain giant cells and granulation tissue. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
American society for apheresis white paper: Considerations for medical staff apheresis medicine physician credentialing and privileging
Authors: Andrzejewski, Chester , Linz Walter , Hofmann Jan , O'Doherty Una , Robinson Richard S. , Arepally Gowthami M. , Golden Patricia
Published: November 2012

Introduction: Physician supervision of apheresis contributes to safe and high‐quality patient care. Literature is limited regarding the requirements for hospital privileges of physicians providing apheresis services. This report provides recommendations from the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) regarding this topic. Materials and Methods: The ASFA Public Affairs Committee was charged by the society's Board of Directors (BOD) to work collaboratively with other ASFA committees to develop guidance pertaining to requirements for hospital privileges of physicians in apheresis medicine. After review of the literature and discussions with members from diverse practice environments, draft guidance was created and circulated among pertinent parties for comment and revision. The final document, approved by the BOD in 2011, is presented herein. Results: Assurance of patient safety was the paramount focus in the deliberations. Establishment and maintenance of physician competency in the discipline of apheresis medicine, and the documentation thereof, were consensus priorities. The importance of care teams involving non‐physicians and the support structures within hospitals were also identified as other important contributors to patient safety. Conclusion: Patient safety during therapeutic apheresis involves both practitioners' and institutional provision of care aspects. Physician training experiences, medical licensing, and board certification status, along with continuing medical education and participation in risk management/patient safety projects are characteristic facets of physician competency in the provision of quality apheresis medicine interventions. Documentation of such indicators may help in medical staff deliberations regarding physician privileging in the oversight and management of apheresis medicine activities in hospitals. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationships Among Identity, Perceived Discrimination, and Depressive Symptoms in Eight Ethnic‐Generational Groups
Authors: Donovan Roxanne A. , Huynh Que‐Lam , Park Irene J. K. , Kim Su Yeong , Lee Richard M. , Robertson Emily
Published: November 2012

Objective

Examine whether personal identity confusion and ethnic identity, respectively, moderate and/or mediate the relationship between perceived discrimination (PD) and depressive symptoms (DS) in eight ethnic‐generational groups.

Method

The sample consisted of 9665 students (73% women; mean age 20.31) from 30 colleges and universities from around the United States. Cross‐sectional data were gathered through a confidential online survey.

Results

Across groups, PD and ethnic identity levels varied, while identity confusion levels were mostly similar. Neither identity confusion nor ethnic identity moderated the PD‐DS relationship for any groups. However, identity confusion was a partial mediator for immigrant and nonimmigrant Hispanic/Latino(a) and White/European American participants. Identity confusion also suppressed the PD‐DS relationship for Black/African American participants.

Conclusions

Results highlight the need for additional research on identity confusion's role in the PD‐distress link and the importance of addressing ethnicity and generation status when examining the effects of PD on college students’ mental health.
Effect of metformin treatment on endometrial vascular indices in anovulatory obese/overweight women with polycystic ovarian syndrome using three‐dimensional power doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Mohsen Iman Abdel , Elkattan Eman , Nabil Hala , Khattab Sherif
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Metformin has been shown to be an effective treatment for anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients in terms of menstrual cyclicity, ovulation, and pregnancy, as well as reduction of early miscarriage rate. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of metformin on the endometrial vascular indices in anovulatory obese PCOS women using three‐dimensional power Doppler sonography (3DPDUS).

Methods

A prospective study was set to determine the beneficial effects of metformin on PCOS patients. Fifty anovulatory obese PCOS patients were compared with another 50 healthy volunteers who were age‐ and body mass index‐matched (control group). PCOS patients were treated with metformin (Glucophage; MerckSerono) 850 mg 3 times a day for 6 months. Assessment of the endometrial thickness and volume, uterine Doppler indices, and Doppler vascular indices of the endometrium and subendometrium in the periovulatory and midluteal phases were performed with 3DPDUS.

Results

There was a significant increase in the endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, and endometrial and subendometrial vascularity indices (vascularization index, flow index, vascularization flow index) after 6 months of metformin treatment in PCOS women, whereas there was no change in the resistance index and the pulsatility index of the uterine artery in both periovulatory and midluteal phases.

Conclusions

Metformin, owing to its metabolic, endocrine, vascular, and anti‐inflammatory effects, improves markers of endometrial receptivity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 41:275–282, 2013
Prenatal sonographic findings of duodenal duplication: Case report
Authors: Palacios Ana , De Vera Mónica , Martínez‐Escoriza Juan Carlos
Published: November 2012

We report a rare case of duodenal duplication cyst that was suspected prenatally. Routine prenatal sonography (US) at 19 weeks' gestation showed an abdominal cystic mass on the left side of the abdomen. Follow‐up US examinations showed a partial “double‐wall” sign, highly suggestive of enteric duplication, and changes in cyst size and wall thickness. Postnatal US examination suggested enteric duplication cyst. A laparotomy revealed a duodenal cyst that was completely resected. The antenatal US findings associated with this condition, the accuracy of its antenatal diagnosis, and its differential diagnosis are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:1–5, 2013
Echogenic splenic lesions in a child with type B Niemann–Pick disease
Authors: Adin Mehmet Emin , Önder Hakan , Alabalık Ulaş
Published: November 2012

We report the case of a 15‐year‐old boy with Niemann–Pick disease type B with characteristic sonographic findings of splenic involvement. There were multiple well‐defined echogenic nodular lesions within the spleen parenchyma, and these lesions were surrounded by ring‐like blood flow on color Doppler imaging. Most of the patients with Niemann–Pick disease type B are children and they undergo repeated imaging studies. Therefore, familiarity with sonographic findings of the disease is required. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:32–34, 2013
Characterization of the cardiac response to a low and high dose of dobutamine in the mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy by MRI in vivo
Authors: Tyrankiewicz Urszula , Skorka Tomasz , Jablonska Magdalena , Petkow‐Dimitrow Pawel , Chlopicki Stefan
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To assess the cardiac response to low (0.15–0.5 mg/kg i.p.) and high (1.5–20 mg/kg i.p.) doses of dobutamine in Tgαq*44 mice with dilated cardiomyopathy at the stage of advanced heart failure.

Materials and Methods:

Inotropic, lusitropic, and chronotropic response to β1‐adrenergic stimulation was assessed by the cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol based on the electrocardiogram (ECG)‐triggered bright‐blood images of one midventricular short‐axis slice.

Results:

In wildtype mice increasing doses of dobutamine resulted in subsequent increase in the left ventricular function and heart rate acceleration, but significant inotropic, lusitropic, and chronotropic cardiac response was observed only after high doses of dobutamine, what is typical. In the Tgαq*44 mice low doses of dobutamine significantly increased inotropic and lusitropic cardiac performance without chronotropic changes. An increased heart rate was observed only after high doses of dobutamine, but then inotropic and lusitropic cardiac functional reserve was lost.

Conclusion:

We described MRI stress test protocol based on a low and high dose of dobutamine induced response that proves useful in revealing alternation in cardiac function in mice with heart failure. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:669–677. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aortic pulse wave velocity measurements with undersampled 4D flow‐sensitive MRI: comparison with 2D and algorithm determination
Authors: Wentland Andrew L. , Wieben Oliver , François Chris J. , Boncyk Christina , Munoz Del Rio Alejandro , Johnson Kevin M. , Grist Thomas M. , Frydrychowicz Alex
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To compare pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements obtained from radially undersampled 4D phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC‐MRI) with 2D PC measurements and to evaluate four PWV algorithms.

Materials and Methods:

PWV was computed from radially undersampled 3D, 3‐directionally velocity‐encoded PC‐MRI (4D) acquisitions performed on a 3T MR scanner in 18 volunteers. High temporal resolution 2D PC scans serving as a reference standard were available in 14 volunteers. Four PWV algorithms were tested: time‐to‐upstroke (TTU), time‐to‐peak (TTP), time‐to‐foot (TTF), and cross‐correlation (XCorr). Bland–Altman analysis was used to determine inter‐ and intraobserver reproducibility and to compare differences between algorithms. Differences in age and PWV measurements were analyzed with Student's t‐tests. The variability of age‐corrected data was assessed with a Brown‐Forsythe analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Results:

2D (4.6–5.3 m/s) and 4D (3.8–4.8 m/s) PWV results were in agreement with previously reported values in healthy subjects. Of the four PWV algorithms, the TTU, TTF, and XCorr algorithms gave similar and reliable results. Average biases of +0.30 m/s and −0.01 m/s were determined for intra‐ and interobserver variability, respectively. The Brown‐Forsythe test revealed that no differences in variability could be found between 2D and 4D PWV measurements.

Conclusion:

4D PC‐MRI with radial undersampling provides reliable and reproducible measurements of PWV. TTU, TTF, and XCorr were the preferred PWV algorithms. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:853–859. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prediction of breast cancer chemotherapy response: A pilot study
Authors: Jiang Lan , Weatherall Paul T. , McColl Roderick W. , Tripathy Debu , Mason Ralph P.
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To determine whether a simple noninvasive method of assessing tumor oxygenation is feasible in the clinical setting and can provide useful, potentially predictive information. Tumor microcirculation and oxygenation play critical roles in tumor growth and responsiveness to cytotoxic treatment and may provide prognostic indicators for cancer therapy. Deoxyhemoglobin is paramagnetic and can serve as an endogenous contrast agent causing signal loss in echo planar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (blood oxygenation level‐dependent [BOLD]‐MRI). We used BOLD‐MRI to provide early evaluation of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

Materials and Methods:

MRI was performed on 11 patients with biopsy‐proven malignancy. MRI exams were scheduled before, during, and after chemotherapy. The BOLD study applied a 6‐minute oxygen breathing challenge.

Results:

Seven patients successfully completed the exams. Before chemotherapy, BOLD contrast enhancement was observed in all tumors, but the patients, who ultimately had complete pathological response, exhibited a significantly higher BOLD response to oxygen breathing.

Conclusion:

We have successfully implemented an oxygen‐breathing challenge BOLD contrast technique as part of the standard breast MRI exam in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. The preliminary observation that a large BOLD response correlated with better treatment response suggests a predictive capability for BOLD MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1083–1092. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyperpolarized helium‐3 magnetic resonance imaging of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation
Authors: Kirby Miranda , Kanhere Nikhil , Etemad‐Rezai Roya , McCormack David G. , Parraga Grace
Published: November 2012

A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exsmoker underwent pulmonary function tests and hyperpolarized helium‐3 (3He) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serially over 4 years, twice prior to and twice following an acute exacerbation (AE). About 2.5 years pre‐AE, 3He ventilation defect percent (VDP) was 16%, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was 0.34 cm2/s, and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) was 41%pred. Six months pre‐AE, VDP and ADC were worse (29% and 0.38 cm2/s, respectively) without worsening FEV1 (47%pred). After hospitalization and AE treatment, VDP was 20%, whereas FEV1 did not improve (45%pred); 16 months post‐AE, both VDP and ADC remained improved and similar to 4 years prior. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1223–1227. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on the PEG‐based microwave‐assisted extraction of flavonoid compounds from persimmon leaves
Authors: Liu Lei , Liu Rui‐Lin , Zhang Jing , Zhang Zhi‐Qi
Published: November 2012

A method for PEG‐based microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of flavonoid compounds from persimmon leaves has been successfully developed. The extraction efficiency of total flavonoid content was evaluated by the chromatographic peak areas of quercetin and kaempferol, which are two bioactive components typically found in persimmon leaves. The best combination of extraction parameters was obtained with response surface methodology. A microwave power of 525 W, liquid to solid ratio of 17:1 mL/g, and PEG aqueous solution concentration of 60% w/w were identified as the optimum parameters. Extraction dynamics analysis indicated that the quercetin, kaempferol, and total flavonoid contents were rising with increasing extraction time up to 20–25 min, from which point onwards they all decreased. Under the optimum conditions, quercetin, kaempferol, and total flavonoid contents obtained from the sample were 1.20 ± 0.05, 0.64 ± 0.11, and 16.90 ± 0.06 mg/g, respectively. Compared with ethanol‐based MAE, and ethanol‐based and PEG‐based ultrasonic‐assisted extractions, PEG‐based MAE had higher efficiency for the extraction of flavonoid compounds from persimmon leaves. Overall, PEG‐based MAE represents an efficient choice for the extraction of bioactive substances from traditional Chinese medicines.
Basic results for functional differential and dynamic equations involving impulses
Authors: Federson Márcia , Mesquita Jaqueline Godoy , Slavík Antonín
Published: November 2012

We study the relation between measure functional differential equations, impulsive measure functional differential equations, and impulsive functional dynamic equations on time scales. For both types of impulsive equations, we obtain results on the existence and uniqueness of solutions, continuous dependence, and periodic averaging. Along the way, we also clarify the relation between time scale integrals and Kurzweil‐Henstock‐Stieltjes integrals.