bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down regulation of membrane‐bound Neu3 constitutes a new potential marker for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and induces apoptosis suppression of neoplastic cells
Authors: Mandal Chandan , Tringali Cristina , Mondal Susmita , Anastasia Luigi , Chandra Sarmila , Venerando Bruno , Mandal Chitra
Published: July 2009

Membrane‐linked sialidase Neu3 is a key enzyme for the extralysosomal catabolism of gangliosides. In this respect, it regulates pivotal cell surface events, including trans‐membrane signaling, and plays an essential role in carcinogenesis. In this report, we demonstrated that acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymphoblasts (primary cells from patients and cell lines) are characterized by a marked down‐regulation of Neu3 in terms of both gene expression (−30 to 40%) and enzymatic activity toward ganglioside GD1a (−25.6 to 30.6%), when compared with cells from healthy controls. Induced overexpression of Neu3 in the ALL‐cell line, MOLT‐4, led to a significant increase of ceramide (+66%) and to a parallel decrease of lactosylceramide (−55%). These events strongly guided lymphoblasts to apoptosis, as we assessed by the decrease in Bcl2/Bax ratio, the accumulation of Neu3 transfected cells in the sub G0–G1 phase of the cell cycle, the enhanced annexin‐V positivity, the higher cleavage of procaspase‐3. Therefore, the reduced expression of Neu3 in ALL could help lymphoblasts to survive, maintaining the cellular content of ceramide below a critical level. Interestingly, we found that Neu3 activity varied in relation to disease progression, increasing in clinical remission after chemotherapy, and decreasing again in patients that relapsed. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between Neu3 expression and the percentage of the ALL marker 9‐OAcGD3 positive cells. Consequently, Neu3 could represent a new potent biomarker in childhood ALL, to assess the efficacy of therapeutic protocols and to rapidly identify an eventual relapse.
Quantitative detection of Merkel cell virus in human tissues and possible mode of transmission
Authors: Loyo Myriam , Guerrero‐Preston Rafael , Brait Mariana , Hoque Mohmammad O. , Chuang Alice , Kim Myoung S. , Sharma Rajni , Liégeois Nanette J. , Koch Wayne M. , Califano Joseph A. , Westra William H. , Sidransky David
Published: July 2009

Merkel Cell Virus (MCV) is a newly discovered polyomavirus, recently found in a rare skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). However, MCV has also been detected in some normal tissue samples. We tested and compared the relative quantity of the MCV in a set of diverse human tissue samples with the MCC samples. The levels of MCV in MCCs were over 60 times higher than the highest values in all other tissues. Low quantities of MCV were detected in diverse tissue samples independently of malignant or benign histologic status. Higher levels of the virus were found in the upper aerodigestive tract, digestive system, and saliva compared to the lung and genitourinary system samples. These results confirm that MCV is widespread in the human body and suggest a possible fecal‐oral transmission route similar to the Hepatitis A virus. Despite widespread presence of the virus, it appears that only neuroendocrine skin cells are susceptible to transformation by MCV.
Candidate mechanisms accounting for effects of physical activity on breast carcinogenesis
Authors: Thompson Henry J. , Jiang Weiqin , Zhu Zongjian
Published: July 2009

Evidence is strong that a reduction in risk for breast cancer is associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA); however, there is limited understanding of the role of type, intensity, duration, and frequency of PA and their mechanisms in accounting for this health benefit. The objective of this review is to stimulate investigations of candidate mechanisms that may account for the effects of the intensity and duration of aerobic PA on breast cancer risk and tumor burden. Three hypotheses are considered: 1) the mTOR network hypothesis: PA inhibits carcinogenesis by suppressing the activation of the mTOR signaling network in mammary carcinomas; 2) the hormesis hypothesis: the carcinogenic response to PA is nonlinear and accounted for by a physiological cellular stress response; and 3) the metabolic reprogramming hypothesis: PA limits the amount of glucose and glutamine available to mammary carcinomas thereby inducing apoptosis because tumor‐associated metabolic programming is reversed. To link these hypotheses to systemic effects of PA, it is recommended that consideration be given to determining: 1) what contracting muscle releases into circulation or removes from circulation that would directly modulate the carcinogenic process in epithelial cells; 2) whether the effects of muscle contraction on epithelial cell carcinogenesis are exerted in an endocrine, paracrine, autocrine, or intracrine manner; and 3) if the effects of muscle contraction on malignant cells differ from effects on normal or premalignant cells that do not manifest the hallmarks of malignancy. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life 61(9): 895–901, 2009
Evaluation of folate‐PAMAM for the delivery of antisense oligonucleotides to rat C6 glioma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kang Chunsheng , Yuan Xubo , Li Fei , Pu Peiyu , Yu Shizhu , Shen Changhong , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Yunting
Published: July 2009

In the current study, we evaluated the efficiency of folate‐polyamidoamine dendrimers conjugates (FA‐PAMAM) for the in situ delivery of therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides (ASODN) that could inhibit the growth of C6 glioma cells. Folic acid was coupled to the surface amino groups of G5‐PAMAM dendrimer (G5D) through a 1‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]‐3‐ethylcarbodiimide bond, and ASODNs corresponding to rat epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were then complexed with FA‐PAMAM. At an ASODN to PAMAM ratio of 16:1, agarose electrophoresis indicated that antisense oligonucleotides were completely complexed with PAMAM or FA‐PAMAM. The ASODN transfection rates mediated by FA‐PAMAM and PAMAM were superior to oligofectamine, resulting in greater suppression of EGFR expression and glioma cell growth. Stereotactic injection of EGFR ASODN:FA‐PAMAM complexes into established rat C6 intracranial gliomas resulted in greater suppression of tumor growth and longer survival time of tumor‐bearing rats compared with PAMAM and oligofectamine‐mediated EGFR‐ASODN therapy. The current study demonstrates the suitability of folate‐PAMAM dendrimer conjugates for efficient EGFR ASODN delivery into glioma cells, wherein they release the ASODN from the FA‐PAMAM to knock down EGFR expression in C6 glioma cells, both in vitro and in vivo. FA‐PAMAM may thus represent a novel delivery system for short oligonucleotides in glioma‐targeted therapy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
In vivo evaluation of highly macroporous ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Teixeira S. , Fernandes H. , Leusink A. , van Blitterswijk C. , Ferraz M. P. , Monteiro F. J. , de Boer J.
Published: July 2009

During the last decades, different materials of both natural and synthetic origin have been developed with the aim of inducing and controlling osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In order for that to happen, it is necessary that the material to be implanted obey a series of requirements, namely: osteoconduction, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Additionally, they must be low‐priced, easy to produce, shape, and store. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a well known ceramic with a composition similar to the mineral component of bone and is highly biocompatible and easy to obtain and/or process. On the other hand, collagen is the main structural protein present in the human body and bone. In this study, a polymer replication method was applied and a highly porous HA scaffold was produced. Collagen was later incorporated to improve the biological properties of the scaffold while resembling the bone composition. The scaffolds were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. In vitro and in vivo testing was performed in all scaffolds produced. The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vivo osteogenic potential of MSCs from two different species seeded on the different HA basedporous scaffolds with collagen type I. The resultsindicate that all scaffolds exhibit relevant bone formation, being more prominent in the case of the HA scaffolds. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
A time‐based potential step analysis of electrochemical impedance incorporating a constant phase element: A study of commercially pure titanium in phosphate buffered saline
Authors: Ehrensberger Mark T. , Gilbert Jeremy L.
Published: July 2009

The measurement of electrochemical impedance is a valuable tool to assess the electrochemical environment that exists at the surface of metallic biomaterials. This article describes the development and validation of a new technique, potential step impedance analysis (PSIA), to assess the electrochemical impedance of materials whose interface with solution can be modeled as a simplified Randles circuit that is modified with a constant phase element. PSIA is based upon applying a step change in voltage to a working electrode and analyzing the subsequent current transient response in a combined time and frequency domain technique. The solution resistance, polarization resistance, and interfacial capacitance are found directly in the time domain. The experimental current transient is numerically transformed to the frequency domain to determine the constant phase exponent, α. This combined time and frequency approach was tested using current transients generated from computer simulations, from resistor–capacitor breadboard circuits, and from commercially pure titanium samples immersed in phosphate buffered saline and polarized at −800 mV or +1000 mV versus Ag/AgCl. It was shown that PSIA calculates equivalent admittance and impedance behavior over this range of potentials when compared to standard electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This current transient approach characterizes the frequency response of the system without the need for expensive frequency response analyzers or software. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Surface modification of silk fibroin with poly(ethylene glycol) for antiadhesion and antithrombotic applications
Authors: Vepari Charu , Matheson Douglas , Drummy Larry , Naik Rajesh , Kaplan David L.
Published: July 2009

Silk fibroin film surfaces were PEGylated by reaction with cyanuric chloride‐activated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Reactions with different concentrations of activated PEG generated films with PEG graft densities from 0.02 to 0.4 mg per square cm of silk fibroin. Increased PEGylation resulted in increased hydrophilicity as analyzed by contact angle, and a smoother morphology based on scanning electron microscopy. Increased PEGylation decreased human IgG adsorption and decreased the attachment and proliferation of human fibroblasts over two weeks. Increased concentration of PEG on the silk fibroin surfaces also decreased the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells and inhibited human platelet attachment. Surface PEGylated silk fibroin films could be useful antiadhesion and antithrombotic materials for biomedical applications when considered along with the unique mechanical and tailorable degradation profiles of silk fibroin. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Influence of direct laser fabrication implant topography on type IV bone: A histomorphometric study in humans
Authors: Shibli Jamil Awad , Mangano Carlo , D'avila Susana , Piattelli Adriano , Pecora Gabriele E. , Mangano Francesco , Onuma Tatiana , Cardoso Luciana A. , Ferrari Daniel Sanchez , Aguiar Kelly C. , Iezzi Giovanna
Published: July 2009

The aim of this histologic study was to evaluate the influence of the direct laser fabrication (DFL) surface topography on bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%), on bone density in the threaded area (BA%) as well as bone density outside the threaded area (BD%) in type IV bone after 8 weeks of unloaded healing. Thirty patients (mean age 51.34 ± 3.06 years) received 1 micro‐implant (2.5‐mm diameter and 6‐mm length) each during conventional implant surgery in the posterior maxilla. Thirty micro‐implants with three topographies were evaluated: 10 machined (cpTi); 10 sandblasted and acid etched surface (SAE) and 10 DFL micro‐implants. After 8 weeks, the micro‐implants and the surrounding tissue were removed and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. Four micro‐implants (2 cpTi, 1 SAE and 1DLF) showed no osseointegration after the healing period. Histometric evaluation indicated that the mean BIC% was higher for the DFL and SAE surfaces (p = 0.0002). The BA% was higher for the DFL surface, although there was no difference with the SAE surface. The BD% was similar for all topographies (p > 0.05). Data suggest that the DFL and SAE surfaces presented a higher bone‐to‐implant contact rate compared with cpTi surfaces under unloaded conditions, after a healing period of 8 weeks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Peripheral blood stem cell collection in multiple myeloma: A retrospective analysis of 6 years leukapheresis activity in 109 patients treated at the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori of Milan
Authors: Coluccia Paola , Montefusco Vittorio , Tunesi Sara , Avella Mario , Bompadre Alvaro , Longoni Paolo , Milanesi Marco , De Carli Adriano , Ravagnani Fernando
Published: July 2009

Double autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard treatment in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients younger than 65 years; therefore, optimization of leukapheresis is crucial. We performed a retrospective analysis of 297 leukaphereses comparing semiautomated (V4.7 in 20% of collections) versus automated (V6.0 in 80%) Caridian (COBE) Spectra versions and analyzing the influence of M‐protein on the outcome. Both methods gave comparable collection efficiencies (CE%) (53.4% vs. 55.7% in V6.0 and V4.7, respectively) with similar leukapheresis time and processed volume. Harvest volume was higher in V4.7 (P < 0.0001) with similar contamination of red blood cells (RBCs) (P = 0.77) and platelets (P = 0.09) when compared with V6.0. In patients with higher peripheral white blood cells (WBCs), V6.0 with adjusted harvest volume (<700 mL), achieved similar CD34+ CE% (P = 0.39) and better enrichment of nucleated cells (P < 0.0,002) but higher RBCs (P < 0.0,001) and platelets contamination (P = 0.001), when compared with a larger cycle volume in patients with lower WBCs. In hard to mobilize patients, CD34+ CE% was significantly more efficient with V4.7 than V6.0 (P < 0.0,001). CD34+ CE% was unaffected by serologic M‐protein, but platelet CE% was higher in the absence of M‐protein (P = 0.0,003), without any reduction in peripheral patients platelets. We, therefore, conclude that in the setting of MM patients with a high WBCs count and/or low percentage of peripheral CD34+ cells, collections with V4.7 or adjusted cycle volume V6.0 gave comparable result in CD34+ CE%. RBCs and platelets contamination is higher if low cycle volume is chosen. In hard to mobilize patients, V4.7 is advisable. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NAG7 promotes human nasopharyngeal carcinoma invasion through inhibition of estrogen receptor alpha and up‐regulation of JNK2/AP‐1/MMP1 pathways
Authors: Huang Chen , Wu Minghua , Tang Yunlian , Li Xiaoling , Ouyang Jue , Xiao Lan , Li Dan , Li Guiyuan
Published: July 2009

The NAG7, an estrogen receptor repressor, is a negative regulator of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth. Here, we report that NAG7 promotes human nasopharyngeal carcinoma invasion, and we identify the mechanisms underlying this function. As a consequence of elevated NAG7 expression, the adhesion, migration, and invasive capabilities of HNE1 cells in vitro and in vivo were enhanced. NAG7 was a significant negative regulator of protein expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), and activated both the JNK2/AP‐1/MMP1 and the upstream H‐Ras/p‐c‐Raf pathways. None of these effects induced by NAG7 over‐expression could be counteracted by estrogen. These observations indicate that NAG7 plays a potential role in promoting nasopharyngeal carcinoma invasion by regulation of ERα and the H‐ras/p‐c‐Raf and JNK2/AP‐1/MMP1 signaling pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 394–401, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined T2‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted MRI for diagnosis of urinary bladder invasion in patients with prostate carcinoma
Authors: Ren Jing , Huan Yi , Li Fang , Wang He , Ge YaLi , Chang YingJuan , Yin Hong , Sun LiJun
Published: July 2009

Purpose

To retrospectively determine the diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) characteristics and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of prostate carcinoma (PCa) with urinary bladder invasion, and to compare the accuracy of T2‐weighted MRI alone and T2 combined with DWI for predicting urinary bladder invasion.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐eight patients with proven PCa were diagnosed with urinary bladder invasion after conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DWI (b value = 750 sec/mm2) examinations. All the 68 cases underwent cystoscopy examination. DWI appearances of all urinary bladder invasion and a normal urinary bladder wall were analyzed, and their ADC values were measured. T2 images alone and then T2 images combined with DWI were scored for the likelihood of urinary bladder invasion on the basis of radiologists' written reports. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess accuracy. Statistical significance was inferred at P < 0.05.

Results

After cystoscopy examination, 45 (66%) of 68 cases were pathologically proven urinary bladder invasion. The mean ADCs for urinary bladder invasion and normal urinary bladder wall were (0.963 ± 0.155) × 10−3mm2/sec and (1.517 ± 0.103) × 10−3mm2/sec, respectively. The ADC values of urinary bladder invasion were significantly lower than those of normal urinary bladder wall (P = 0.000). The AUC for T2‐weighted imaging plus DW imaging (0.861) was significantly larger than that for T2‐weighted imaging alone (0.734) or for DW imaging alone (0.703) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Urinary bladder invasion had lower ADC values compared with normal urinary bladder wall. T2 images plus DWI is significantly better than T2‐weighted imaging alone in the detection of urinary bladder invasion in patients with PCa. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adsorption study of 4‐MBA on TiO2 nanoparticles by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Libin , Jiang Xin , Ruan Weidong , Zhao Bing , Xu Weiqing , Lombardi John R.
Published: July 2009

In this paper, the adsorption of 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (4‐MBA) on TiO2 nanoparticles was studied mostly by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and UV‐vis spectroscopy, at different pH values as well as under different temperatures and concentrations. The results show that the 4‐MBA molecules are bonded to the TiO2 surface both through the sulfur atoms and COO− groups at neutral or alkaline pH, but only through the sulfur atom at acidic pH. Furthermore, the 4‐MBA molecules possess high adsorptive stability on TiO2 at a comparatively high temperature (150 °C). Concentration‐dependent SERS experiments show that the saturation concentration for 4‐MBA adsorbed on TiO2 is about 10−3 M in natural case (pH = 6). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IR, Raman and SERS spectra of ethyl salicylate
Authors: Yohannan Panicker C. , Varghese Hema Tresa , Ushakumary L.
Published: July 2009

The IR and Raman spectra of ethyl salicylate were recorded and analyzed. The surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum was recorded in a silver colloid. The vibrational wavenumbers of the compound have been computed using the Hartree‐Fock/6‐31G* basis. The direction of charge transfer contribution to SERS has been discussed from the frontier orbital theory. The presence of methyl modes in the SERS spectrum indicates the nearness of the methyl group to the metal surface and the presence of ring vibrations and out‐of‐plane ring modes in the SERS spectrum suggests a flat orientation of the molecule on the silver surface. The first hyperpolarizability is calculated and the calculated molecular geometry has been compared with the reported similar structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of lucerne preservation method on the feed value of forage
Authors: Andueza Donato , Delgado Ignacio , Muñoz Fernando
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Natural climatic wilt (NCW) and induced industrial wilt (IIW) are widely used as preservation methods for lucerne. Both of these methods reduce the quality of green forage due to respiration under NCW and heat damage under IIW. We compared the influence of these two preservation methods on nutritive value across a wide range of harvest conditions.

RESULTS: Cell wall content and cell wall‐linked nitrogen values were higher (P < 0.05) in IIW than NCW. The preservation methods differed significantly (P < 0.05) in terms of soluble fraction, insoluble potentially degradable fraction of dry matter and effective degradability of dry matter. Nitrogen disappearance kinetics showed that the interactions of preservation by cut and preservation by phenological state were significant for the effective degradability of nitrogen. Organic matter digestibility was higher in lucerne preserved by NCW than IIW whereas cell wall digestibility was higher in lucerne preserved by IIW than NCW. Digestible organic matter intake did not differ between preservation methods (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Natural climatic wilt forage hay presents similar feed value to the induced industrial wilt alfalfa. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Male‐to‐female sexual aggression among Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam veterans: Co‐occurring substance abuse and intimate partner aggression
Authors: Teten Andra L. , Schumacher Julie A. , Bailey Sara D. , Kent Thomas A.
Published: July 2009

The current study examined the frequency and correlates of coercive sexual behaviors by male Iraq, Afghanistan, and/or Vietnam veterans recruited from a Veterans Affairs trauma recovery clinic (n = 92) toward their female partners. Men who reported sexual aggression in the past year (n = 37) compared to men who did not report sexual aggression in the past year (n = 55) more frequently reported impulsive aggression, dominating/isolating, and physically assaulting their partner, and were more likely to have a substance abuse diagnosis. Sexually aggressive men were significantly less likely than nonsexually aggressive men to have a diagnosis of depression. Posttraumatic stress disorder, an established risk factor for nonsexual partner aggression among veterans, was not associated with sexual aggression.
The effects of PTSD symptomatology on laboratory‐based aggression
Authors: Kivisto Aaron J. , Moore Todd M. , Elkins Sara R. , Rhatigan Deborah L.
Published: July 2009

The present study sought to examine the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and aggression using a highly controlled, quasi‐experimental laboratory‐based aggression paradigm among a sample of 85 undergraduate students not help‐seeking for current PTSD phenomena. Congruent with theory and past research, results showed that PTSD symptomatology was positively associated with aggression. In demonstrating this effect using a laboratory‐based methodology, the present study provides a heuristic for future researchers to explore potential mediators and moderators of the PTSD‐aggression relationship.
The logic and logistics of grazing regulations
Authors: Tal A.
Published: July 2009

While overgrazing is widely recognized as one of the primary drivers of desertification, unlike other environmental problems, many countries have not taken basic measures to address it. After considering the sociological and biological dynamics associated with the phenomenon, the article reviews polices designed to reach sustainable levels of grazing that have been adopted in several countries. Establishing and implementing ‘stocking limits’ which ensure that land's carrying capacity is not exceeded have proven to be highly effective. The article reviews how such limits are set and responds to critics of such policies, arguing that in countries with pastoral populations, command and control provisions to limit grazing should be a critical component of national efforts to protect the commons. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wide‐field spatial mapping of in vivo tattoo skin optical properties using modulated imaging
Authors: Ayers Frederick R. , Cuccia David J. , Kelly Kristen M. , Durkin Anthony J.
Published: July 2009

Background and Objectives

Modulated imaging is a new modality capable of wide‐field, spatially resolved measurement of in vivo optical properties. Based on spatial light modulation, the method is inexpensive, non‐contact, and allows spatial mapping of tissue absorption and reduced scattering coefficients at any wavelength between 450 and 1,100 nm. Currently, clinicians rely on qualitative visual inspection to guide parameter selection for laser‐based tattoo removal. MI provides quantitative measurements of multi‐colored tattooed skin which may help guide treatment and objectively assess response.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

We have measured the spatially varying optical properties of multi‐colored tattooed skin over a 50 mm × 50 mm field of view at wavelengths ranging from 650 to 970 nm using MI. These measurements were compared to a similar field of view of non‐tattooed skin from an adjacent area.

Results

We have determined the differentiated optical properties in vivo of multi‐colored tattooed skin versus non‐tattooed skin.

Conclusions

MI provides spatially resolved quantitative information with potential for quantitative assessment of response to treatment and may provide guidance for laser tattoo removal in the future. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:442–453, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Port wine stain progression: A potential consequence of delayed and inadequate treatment?
Authors: Minkis Kira , Geronemus Roy G. , Hale Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2009

Background and Objectives

Port wine stains are congenital low‐flow vascular malformations of the skin. Unlike hemangiomas, PWS do not involute with time, but rather if left untreated can hypertrophy and develop nodularity. Laser therapy of PWS particularly with pulsed‐dye lasers, is a safe, well‐established treatment that is successful in the majority of patients, especially for younger patients. Patients that fail to receive treatment early in life may subsequent develop lesions more likely to progress.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

A case report and review of the literature are presented. We report a 43 year‐old man born with a port‐wine stain on the right side of his face that extended in the V2 distribution on his face. He had undergone several sessions with a pulsed‐dye laser, the sequential dual‐wavelength (595 nm and 1064 nm) laser and a CO2 resurfacing laser from the age of 26 but failed to follow through with a sufficient number of treatments to prevent hypertrophy.

Results

Due to an insufficient number and interval of treatments (with only 7 treatments over 16 years starting at age 26) with the various lasers, the patient's port wine stain continued to progress in color and development of nodularity.

Conclusions

Patients born with port wine stains should have early laser treatment to achieve optimal results. Delay in treatment, as in this patient until age 26, may result in hard to treat PWS that can continue to progress in nodularity. This case illustrates the hypertrophy and nodularity that can occur due to progression of a PWS with failure to follow through with sufficient number of laser treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:423–426, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phototherapy promotes healing of chronic diabetic leg ulcers that failed to respond to other therapies
Authors: Minatel Debora G. , Frade Marco Andrey C. , França Suzelei C. , Enwemeka Chukuka S.
Published: July 2009

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that combined 660 and 890 nm LED phototherapy will promote healing of diabetic ulcers that failed to respond to other forms of treatment.

Research Design and Methods

A double‐blind randomized placebo controlled design was used to study 23 diabetic leg ulcers in two groups of 14 patients. Group one ulcers were cleaned, dressed with 1% silver sulfadiazine cream and treated with “placebo” phototherapy (<1.0 J cm−2) twice per week, using a Dynatron Solaris 705® device. Group two ulcers were treated similarly but received 3 J cm−2 dose.

Results

At each of 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days of healing, mean ulcer granulation and healing rates were significantly higher for group two than the “placebo” group (P < 0.02). While “placebo” treated ulcers worsened during the initial 30 days, group two ulcers healed rapidly; achieving 56% more granulation and 79.2% faster healing by day 30, and maintaining similarly higher rates of granulation and healing over the “placebo” group all through. By day 90, 58.3% of group two ulcers had healed fully and 75% had achieved 90–100% healing. In contrast, only one “placebo” treated ulcer healed fully by day 90; no other ulcer attained ≥90% healing.

Conclusion

Combined 660 and 890 nm light promotes rapid granulation and healing of diabetic ulcers that failed to respond to other forms of treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:433–441, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro effect of carboplatin, cytarabine, paclitaxel, vincristine, and low‐power laser irradiation on murine mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Horvát‐Karajz Károly , Balogh Zsuzsanna , Kovács Viktória , drRerNat András Hámori , Sréter Lídia , Uher Ferenc
Published: July 2009

Background and Objectives

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for use in regenerative medicine. Cytostatics can decrease, but low‐power laser irradiation (LPLI) can increase the growth of MSCs. The interaction of LPLI, MSCs and cytostatics is not known. This study investigated the effect of four cytostatics (carboplatin, cytarabine, paclitaxel, vincristine), LPLI, and combination of a cytostatic drug and LPLI on murine MSCs (mMSCs).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

MMSCs were exposed to LPLI (660 nm diode laser; 60 mW output power; range of power density: 76–156 mW/cm2; range of energy density: 1.9–11.7 J/cm2) and/or a cytostatic drug (carboplatin: 2, 10, 50; cytarabine: 0.4, 10, 50; paclitaxel: 0.4, 2, 10; vincristine: 0.02, 0.1, 0.5 µg/ml, respectively). Cell proliferation was measured after 24, 48, or 72 hours incubation.

Results

LPLI at 1.9 J/cm2 dose increased the proliferation rate with 41% after 48 hours. However, 11.7 J/cm2 LPLI caused 42% inhibition and cytostasis was still detectable after 72 hours. LPLI caused equivalent stimulation in single or in divided doses (3.8 vs. double 1.9 J/cm2 in a 24‐hour period). The cytotoxicity of 50 µg/ml carboplatin was eliminated, the inhibitory power of 0.1 µg/ml vincristine was attenuated by 1.9 J/cm2 LPLI even 3 days post‐treatment (attenuation >10%). The 11.7 J/cm2 LPLI enhanced the cytotoxicity of 50 µg/ml cytarabine (from 48% to 73%) and 10 µg/ml paclitaxel (from 37% to 78%). Combination of the ineffective 0.4 µg/ml cytarabine or paclitaxel with the inhibitory 11.7 J/cm2 LPLI exhibited stronger inhibition than the 11.7 J/cm2 LPLI alone (69% and 69% vs. 42%).

Conclusions

Low energy density of LPLI increases and high energy density of LPLI decreases the proliferation of mMSCs. Furthermore, LPLI can prevent or attenuate some drug's cytotoxicity and amplify others'. The result depends on the applied energy density, on the type and concentration of the cytostatics. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:463–469, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Micropatterning of Covalently Attached Biotin on Poly(lactic acid) Film Surfaces
Authors: Rasal Rahul M. , Hirt Douglas E.
Published: July 2009

A two‐step approach was used to micropattern covalently attached biotin on the surface of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) film. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was micropatterned on PLA using photolithography in step 1, followed by carbodiimide wet chemistry to covalently attach biotin to acid groups in step 2. The PAA micropatterning reaction progression was monitored using attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FT‐IR) spectroscopy, water contact angle goniometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The PAA‐biotin conjugation reaction characterization using XPS confirmed the carbodiimide mediated amidation reaction. The resultant PLA film was then immersed into a solution of fluorescence‐conjugated streptavidin and examined under fluorescence microscopy to reveal various micropatterns

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Magnetic–Fluorescent Colloidal Nanobeads: Preparation and Exploitation in Cell Separation Experiments
Authors: Di Corato Riccardo , Piacenza Philomena , Musarò Mariarosaria , Buonsanti Raffaella , Cozzoli Pantaleo Davide , Zambianchi Massimo , Barbarella Giovanna , Cingolani Roberto , Manna Liberato , Pellegrino Teresa
Published: July 2009

Nanostructures displaying fluorescence and magnetic properties at the same time are potentially useful for achieving simultaneous bio‐separation and bio‐sensing (e.g., magnetic separation coupled with multiplexing optical detection of different tumour cell populations). Spherical nanobeads that display both fluorescent and magnetic features are reported; they are fabricated by grafting fluorescent oligothiophene molecules to an amphiphilic polymer that is then used to enwrap iron oxide nanoparticles, which acts as the magnetic domain. By tuning experimental conditions, control over the number of magnetic nanoparticles per bead and over the bead diameter (30–400 nm) was achieved. A cell separation efficiency of the level required for cell sorting applications is also reported.

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Size‐Dependent Isotropic/Nematic Phase Transition Behavior of Liquid Crystalline Peptide Nanowires
Authors: Park Ji Sun , Han Tae Hee , Oh Jun Kyun , Kim Sang Ouk
Published: July 2009

We present size‐tunable assemblies of peptide nanowires and study their liquid crystalline phase behavior. An aromatic peptide molecule of diphenylalanine was rapidly assembled into one‐dimensional nanowires, whose sizes were tunable according to the initial concentration of diphenylalanine in the preparing solution. The stable dispersion of peptide nanowires in an organic solvent exhibited colloidal nematic liquid crystalline phases. The liquid crystalline phase transition was governed by the repulsive electrostatic interaction among peptide nanowires as well as their shape anisotropy and polydispersity. Our work provides an interesting model system to investigate the liquid crystalline phase behaviors of a biomolecular assembly in terms of its assembled morphology and intermolecular interactions.

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Polymerizable Ionic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Jazkewitsch Olga , Ritter Helmut
Published: July 2009

Polymerizable vinylimidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) that contain mesogenic coumarin and biphenyl units, respectively, have been synthesized. The N‐alkylation of N‐vinylimidazole with bromoalkylated mesogenic units 7‐(6‐bromohexyloxy)coumarin (1) and 4,4′‐bis(6‐bromohexyloxy)biphenyl (2) was then carried out. The thermal behavior of the obtained ILs 3 and 4 was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. These measurements showed that the attached mesogenic units induce the self‐assembly of ILs and, therefore, the occurrence of liquid crystalline phases. Subsequently, the ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) 3 and 4 were polymerized by a free‐radical mechanism.

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Thinner is Better: An Ultrathin Conducting Oligoaniline Film for Gas Microsensors with Ultralow Detection Limits
Authors: Xie Zhuang , Duan Liting , Jiang Yuqian , Xue Mianqi , Zhang Meining , Cao Tingbing
Published: July 2009

An ultralow‐limit gas microsensor based on an ultrathin conducting oligoaniline film integrated with microscale gold electrodes is developed. A nanoscale oligoaniline film is fabricated on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrate using graft polymerization using FeCl3, a mild oxidant, rather than conventional (NH4)2S2O8. The as‐fabricated film is around 14 nm in thickness and above 85% transmittance on a PDMS substrate with a smooth surface morphology and high conductivity. Taking NH3 as a protocol, the nanoscale oligoaniline film microsensor shows an ultralow detection limit to the ppb level with more rapid response and high sensitivity to NH3 compared to the thicker PANI film using conventional methods.

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Substrate‐Induced Controllable Wrinkling for Facile Nanofabrication
Authors: Li Zhong , Yang Dayong , Liu Xing , Ma Hongwei
Published: July 2009

In this work, we report a facile and effective strategy to generate patterned wrinkles. This strategy includes first adhering a thin poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) film (<82 µm) on porous conductive adhesive tape (CAT), followed by sputter coating of Au onto PDMS under vacuum condition, which results in formation of patterned wrinkles on the Au‐PDMS bilayer. CAT was found to induce local stretching of PDMS thin film, which was the key for controlled wrinkle formation. Compared with previous wrinkling methods, our strategy is simpler and gives smaller feature sizes (down to 300 nm).

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On the Quantitative Click Conjugation of Molecular Weight Distributions: What Can Theoretically Be Expected?
Authors: Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: July 2009

The assessment of the success of a click conjugation for block copolymer formation often occurs via ill‐defined criteria based on the qualitative shape of the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) distribution as well as unsuitable characteristics of these molecular weight distribution such as the peak molecular weight, Mp. The data presented herein illustrate that from the shape of the SEC distribution, w(log M) versus log M, of the click product—under the assumption of a 100% efficient conjugation reaction—a conclusion about the effectiveness of the click conjugation cannot be derived. It is demonstrated that under certain conditions multi‐modal molecular weight distributions are obtained from two well‐defined monomodal initial distributions. Similarly, the comparison of peak maxima between the conjugate and the initial SEC distributions is a poorly defined criterion to assess the success of a conjugation. The only reliable assessment for the success of the click coupling reaction is the true number average molecular weight, $\overline M _{\rm n}$, of the SEC distribution of the click product, as well as a plot of the concentration or number distributions, c versus M, of the precursors and product polymer.

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Structure determination of slowly exchanging conformers in solution using high‐resolution NMR, computational modeling and DFT‐GIAO chemical shielding: application to an erythronolide A derivative
Authors: Muri Dieter , Corminboeuf Clémence , Carreira Erick M. , Jeannerat Damien
Published: July 2009

We discuss and demonstrate the potential of HSQC‐TOCSY and HSQC‐NOESY experiments to offer solutions for overlap problems in COSY and NOESY spectra, leading to improved signals that can be unambiguously assigned to individual carbons. Direct comparison of experimental 1H and 13C chemical shielding with density functional theory (DFT)‐calculated values are uninformative; in contrast, the relative differences in experimental shielding between pairs of molecules correlates well with the relative differences in DFT‐GIAO shielding for the computed lowest energy conformers. A detailed application of both experimental and theoretical techniques is illustrated for slowly exchanging conformers of an erythronolide A derivative, which demonstrates that structure determination can strongly benefit from the interplay between experiment and theory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of the Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Copolymerization of Styrene and Divinylbenzene
Authors: Hernández‐Ortiz Julio C. , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Lona Liliane M. F. , McManus Neil T. , Penlidis Alexander
Published: July 2009

A mathematical model for the copolymerization kinetics with crosslinking of vinyl/divinyl monomers in the presence of nitroxide controllers has been developed and validated using experimental data of TEMPO‐mediated copolymerization of styrene (STY) and divinylbenzene (DVB). Polymerization rate, molecular weight development, gelation point, evolution of sol and gel weight fractions, crosslink density, and copolymer composition, as well as concentrations of the species participating in the reaction mechanism can be calculated with the model. Diffusion‐controlled effects were assessed and found unimportant. The presence of nitroxide controllers seems to favor the production of more homogeneous polymer networks, but this effect decreases as the initial fraction of crosslinker is increased.

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High‐Pressure Polymerization of Ethylene in Tubular Reactors: A Rigorous Dynamic Model Able to Predict the Full Molecular Weight Distribution
Authors: Asteasuain Mariano , Brandolin Adriana
Published: July 2009

A rigorous dynamic model of the high‐pressure polymerization of ethylene in tubular reactors is presented. The model is capable of predicting the full molecular weight distribution (MWD), average branching indexes, monomer conversion and average molecular weights as function of time and reactor length. The probability generating function method is applied to model the MWD. This technique allows easy and efficient calculation of the MWD, in spite of the complex mathematical description of the process. The reactor model is used to analyze the dynamic responses of MWD and other process variables under different transition policies, as well as to predict the effects of process perturbations. The influence of the material recycle on the process dynamics is also shown.

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Assessing manganese efflux using SEA0400 and cardiacT1‐mapping manganese‐enhanced MRI in a murine model
Authors: Waghorn Ben , Yang Yuhui , Baba Akemichi , Matsuda Toshio , Schumacher Autumn , Yanasak Nathan , Hu Tom C.‐C.
Published: July 2009

The sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX) is one of the transporters contributing to the control of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration by normally mediating net Ca2+efflux. However, the reverse mode of the NCX can cause intracellular Ca2+concentration overload, which exacerbates the myocardial tissue injury resulting from ischemia. Although the NCX inhibitor SEA0400 has been shown to therapeutically reduce myocardial injury, noin vivotechnique exists to monitor intracellular Ca2+fluctuations produced by this drug. Cardiac manganese‐enhanced MRI (MEMRI) may indirectly assess Ca2+efflux by estimating changes in manganese (Mn2+) contentin vivo, since Mn2+has been suggested as a surrogate marker for Ca2+. This study used the MEMRI technique to examine the temporal features of cardiac Mn2+efflux by implementing aT1‐mapping method and inhibiting the NCX with SEA0400. The change in1H2O longitudinal relaxation rate, ΔR1, in the left ventricular free wall, was calculated at different time points following infusion of 190 nmol/g manganese chloride (MnCl2) in healthy adult male mice. The results showed 50% MEMRI signal attenuation at 3.4 ± 0.6 h post‐MnCl2infusion without drug intervention. Furthermore, treatment with 50 ± 0.2 mg/kg of SEA0400 significantly reduced the rate of decrease in ΔR1. At 4.9–5.9 h post‐MnCl2infusion, the average ΔR1values for the two groups treated with SEA0400 were 2.46 ± 0.29 and 1.72 ± 0.24 s−1for 50 and 20 mg/kg doses, respectively, as compared to the value of 1.27 ± 0.28 s−1for the control group. When thisin vivodata were compared toex vivoabsolute manganese content data, the MEMRIT1‐mapping technique was shown to effectively quantify Mn2+efflux rates in the myocardium. Therefore, combining an NCX inhibitor with MEMRI may be a useful technique for assessing Mn2+transport mechanisms and ratesin vivo, which may reflect changes in Ca2+transport. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the proximal tubular function in individuals with primary renal hypouricemia: an NMR‐based metabonomic study
Authors: Tzovaras Vasilios T. , Psychogios Nikolaos G. , Kostara Christina E. , Bairaktari Eleni T. , Elisaf Moses S.
Published: July 2009

Primary renal hypouricemia (PRH) refers to a rare condition of increased renal urate clearance, caused by an isolated inborn error of membrane transport of urate in the renal proximal tubule. Several cases of exercise‐induced acute renal failure and urolithiasis have been reported. This is the first study that assessed tubular function in PRH using NMR‐based metabonomic urine analysis. The study groups consisted of 36 unrelated asymptomatic subjects with PRH, defined as serum uric acid levels (sUA) <2.5 mg/dL and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) >10%, after exclusion of diseases and drugs that may affect urate homeostasis, and 39 sex and age‐matched healthy individuals with normal sUA levels (>4.0 mmol/L) and FEUA<10%. Individuals with primary hypouricemia presented similar biochemical profiles to the controls without significant differences with regard to FE of electrolytes and renal threshold for phosphate excretion. Individuals with primary hypouricemia were differentiated from healthy individuals in the orthogonal signal correction/partial least‐squares–discriminant analysis models of the NMR data with a statistically significant separation. The components that contributed to this separation were the lower levels of hippurate, creatinine, and trimethylaminoxide, and the higher levels of phenylalanine, alanine, glycine, glutamate, acetate, and of an unidentified metabolite (3.3 ppm) observed in hypouricemic subjects compared with controls. Primary hypouricemia, though considered an isolated renal tubular defect, is often associated with a more generalized proximal tubular disorder that mimics a partial Fanconi syndrome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐acetyl resonances in in vivo and in vitro NMR spectroscopy of cystic ovarian tumors
Authors: Kolwijck Eva , Engelke Udo F. , van der Graaf Marinette , Heerschap Arend , Blom Henk J. , Hadfoune M'Hamed , Buurman Wim A. , Massuger Leon F. , Wevers Ron A.
Published: July 2009

An unassigned and prominent resonance in the region from δ 2.0–2.1 ppm has frequently been found in the in vivo MR spectra of cancer patients. We demonstrated the presence of this resonance with in vivo MRS in the cyst fluid of a patient with an ovarian tumor. 1H‐NMRS on the aspirated cyst fluid of this patient confirmed the observation. A complex of resonances was observed between 2.0 and 2.1 ppm. It was also present in 11 additional ovarian cyst fluid samples randomly chosen from our biobank. The resonance complex was significantly more prominent in samples from mucinous tumors than in samples from other histological subtypes. A macromolecule (>10 kDa) was found responsible for this complex of resonances. A correlation spectroscopy (COSY) experiment revealed cross peaks of two different types of bound sialic acid suggesting that N‐glycans from glycoproteins and/or glycolipids cause this resonance complex. In the literature, plasma α‐1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), known for its high content of N‐linked glycans, has been suggested to contribute to the δ 2.0–2.1 spectral region. The AGP cyst fluid concentration did not correlate significantly with the peak height of the δ 2.0–2.1 resonance complex in our study. AGP may be partly responsible for the resonance complex but other N‐acetylated glycoproteins and/or glycolipids also contribute. After deproteinization of the cyst fluid, N‐acetyl‐L‐aspartic acid (NAA) was found to contribute significantly to the signal in this spectral region in three of the 12 samples. GC‐MS independently confirmed the presence of NAA in high concentration in the three samples, which all derived from benign serous tumors. We conclude that both NAA and N‐acetyl groups from glycoproteins and/or glycolipids may contribute to the δ 2.0–2.1 ppm resonance complex in ovarian cyst fluid. This spectral region seems to contain resonances from biomarkers that provide relevant clinical information on the type of ovarian tumor. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.