bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress effect on bone remodeling and osseointegration on dental implant with novel nano/microporous surface functionalization
Authors: Cheng Han‐Yi , Chu Kuo‐Tien , Shen Fa‐Chih , Pan Yung‐Ning , Chou Hsin‐Hua , Ou Keng‐Liang
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the stress distributions of a surface‐treated dental implant and bone tissue under physiological loading. For ensuring success of dental implant treatment, one must examine the magnitude and location of the maximum stresses. Stress analysis models were constructed from computer tomography data. Although several studies have investigated finite element models of dental implants, none have used an implant model with a nanoporous layer in a biomimetic geometrical mandible model. The novel implant surface used in this study, comprised of a microlevel porous containing a nanolevel porous structure, was complex and it was difficult to present due to the limitation of computer efficiency. However, this complex geometry was simplified using a film, to further investigate stresses resulting from 0 nm, 50 nm, 500 nm, 5 μm, and 50 μm surface treatment thicknesses. Results indicated that the stresses transferred more uniformly in implants with nanoporous surface treatments, and that the stresses decreased with increasing layer thickness. Our study showed that this could be potentially beneficial for understanding the stress properties of surface‐treated layers for dental implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Bone tissue engineering of induced pluripotent stem cells cultured with macrochanneled polymer scaffold
Authors: Jin Guang‐Zhen , Kim Tae‐Hyun , Kim Joong‐Hyun , Won Jong‐Eun , Yoo So‐Young , Choi Seong‐Jun , Hyun Jung Keun , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: October 2012

A reliable source of osteogenic cells is an essential factor for bone tissue engineering. In this study, human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) without an embryoid body step were cultured in macrochanneled poly(caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds prepared using a robotic dispensing technique, after which osteogenesis was promoted by the addition of exogenous osteogenic factors. The osteogenesis of the hiPSCs was demonstrated based on the detection of osteogenic molecules, such as osteopontin, using flow cytometry analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Thereafter, the cell‐scaffold constructs were transplanted into the subcutaneous site of male athymic mice. At 4 weeks after implantation, histological assays (hematoxylin & eosin staining, Alizarin red staining, and osteocalcin immunostaining) were conducted to determine the bone induction of hiPSCs. The results indicated a production of pronounced levels of extracellular matrices and their mineral deposition within the cell‐scaffold implant, suggesting possible in vivo bone induction by the hiPSCs‐based tissue engineering approach. The results presented here provide useful information regarding the tissue engineering of bone utilizing hiPSCs in conjunction with cell‐supporting scaffolds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Comparative studies of polyethylenimine–doxorubicin conjugates with pH‐sensitive and pH‐insensitive linkers
Authors: Dong Da‐Wen , Tong Shu‐Wen , Qi Xian‐Rong
Published: October 2012

Doxorubicin (DOX) was conjugated to polyethylenimine (PEI) in several synthetic ways and created PEI–succinic anhydride (SUC)–DOX, PEI–N‐succinimidyl 3‐maleimidopropionate (SMP)–DOX and PEI–3‐maleimidopropionic acid hydrazide (MPH)–DOX conjugates using pH‐insensitive linkage (amide bond) or pH‐sensitive linkage (hydrazone bond). The effects of the conjugates on anticancer therapy against human breast cancer cells were investigated for in vitro release under different pH, cellular uptake, intracellular localization and antiproliferative activity. DOX release from PEI–MPH–DOX formed via hydrazone bonds occurred in an acid‐triggered manner and increased with decreasing pH. But PEI–SUC–DOX and PEI–SMP–DOX formed via amide bonds were quite stable and released negligible DOX under both neutral and acidic conditions. The results from flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed that conjugates uptakes were PEI–SUC–DOX > PEI–SMP–DOX > PEI–MPH–DOX, which was consistent with the primary amine content and more efficient than free DOX due to the intense nonspecific interaction between the positively charged conjugates and the negatively charged cell surface proteoglycans. PEI–MPH–DOX showed higher antiproliferative activity than that of PEI–SUC–DOX and PEI–SMP–DOX. The antiproliferative activity of PEI–MPH–DOX was achieved through the endocytosis, nuclear entry of released DOX and interaction with the DNA. However, PEI–SUC–DOX and PEI–SMP–DOX showed more endocytosis but less nuclear entry leading to lower antiproliferative activity. According to the measurements, we determined that enhanced endocytosis and pH‐sensitive drug release were the critical processes in determining anticancer therapy of drug–polymer conjugate. The PEI–MPH–DOX conjugate could be sifted to use as a prodrug for cancer therapy and also as a novel delivery carrier to codelivery DOX and gene in further research. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo osseointergration properties of compression‐molded HDPE‐HA‐Al2O3 hybrid biocomposites
Authors: Tripathi Garima , Gough Julie E. , Dinda Amit , Basu Bikramjit
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo biocompatibility in terms of healing of long segmental bone defect in rabbit model as well as in vitro cytotoxicity of eluates of compression‐molded High density polyethylene (HDPE)–hydroxyapatite (HA)‐aluminum oxide (Al2O3) composite‐based implant material. Based on the physical property in terms of modulus and strength properties, as reported in our recent publication, HDPE‐40 wt % HA and HDPE‐20 wt % HA‐20 wt % Al2O3 hybrid composites were used for biocompatibility assessment. Osteoblasts cells were cultured in conditioned media, which contains varying amount of composite eluate (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 wt %). In vitro, the eluates did not exhibit any significant negative impact on proliferation, mineralization or on morphology of human osteoblast cells. In vivo, the histological assessment revealed neobone formation at the bone/implant interface, characterized by the presence of osteoid and osteoblasts. The observation of osteoclastic activity indicates the process of bone remodeling. No inflammation to any noticeable extent was observed at the implantation site. Overall, the combination of in vitro and in vivo results are suggestive of potential biomedical application of compression‐molded HDPE‐ 20 wt % HA‐ 20 wt % Al2O3 composites to heal long segmental bone defects without causing any toxicity of bone cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
How water molecules modulate the hydration of CO2 in water solution: Insight from the cluster‐continuum model calculations
Authors: Wang Binju , Cao Zexing
Published: October 2012

The hydration of CO2 in water solution was investigated by the cluster‐continuum model calculations with n = 1–8 water molecules. For n = 1–4 water molecules, all the reactions follow a concerted pathway to the hydration product directly. For n = 5–8 water molecules, all the reactions follow a stepwise mechanism and a labile H3O+ intermediate is involved in reaction. The surrounding water molecules from the bulk solvent play a key role in the proton relay process, which can stabilize the charged transition state and the H3O+ intermediate in reaction. Furthermore, if the proton transfer from H3O+ to the carbonyl oxygen occurs, the hydration pathway will be followed. If there is a proton transfer from H3O+ to the outer water phase through the water bridge, the dissociation product of HCO3− will be formed. The predicted reaction energetics by current cluster‐continuum model calculations shows good agreement with the experimental values. Present calculations strongly suggest the suitable cluster‐continuum model including more explicit water molecules highly required for reasonable and unbiased description of the proton relay mechanism for proton transfer related reactions in water solution. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Natural bond orbital analysis in the ONETEP code: Applications to large protein systems
Authors: Lee Louis P. , Cole Daniel J. , Payne Mike C. , Skylaris Chris‐Kriton
Published: October 2012

First principles electronic structure calculations are typically performed in terms of molecular orbitals (or bands), providing a straightforward theoretical avenue for approximations of increasing sophistication, but do not usually provide any qualitative chemical information about the system. We can derive such information via post‐processing using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, which produces a chemical picture of bonding in terms of localized Lewis‐type bond and lone pair orbitals that we can use to understand molecular structure and interactions. We present NBO analysis of large‐scale calculations with the ONETEP linear‐scaling density functional theory package, which we have interfaced with the NBO 5 analysis program. In ONETEP calculations involving thousands of atoms, one is typically interested in particular regions of a nanosystem whilst accounting for long‐range electronic effects from the entire system. We show that by transforming the Non‐orthogonal Generalized Wannier Functions of ONETEP to natural atomic orbitals, NBO analysis can be performed within a localized region in such a way that ensures the results are identical to an analysis on the full system. We demonstrate the capabilities of this approach by performing illustrative studies of large proteins—namely, investigating changes in charge transfer between the heme group of myoglobin and its ligands with increasing system size and between a protein and its explicit solvent, estimating the contribution of electronic delocalization to the stabilization of hydrogen bonds in the binding pocket of a drug‐receptor complex, and observing, in situ, the n → π* hyperconjugative interactions between carbonyl groups that stabilize protein backbones. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GRID: A high‐resolution protein structure refinement algorithm
Authors: Chitsaz Mohsen , Mayo Stephen L.
Published: October 2012

The energy‐based refinement of protein structures generated by fold prediction algorithms to atomic‐level accuracy remains a major challenge in structural biology. Energy‐based refinement is mainly dependent on two components: (1) sufficiently accurate force fields, and (2) efficient conformational space search algorithms. Focusing on the latter, we developed a high‐resolution refinement algorithm called GRID. It takes a three‐dimensional protein structure as input and, using an all‐atom force field, attempts to improve the energy of the structure by systematically perturbing backbone dihedrals and side‐chain rotamer conformations. We compare GRID to Backrub, a stochastic algorithm that has been shown to predict a significant fraction of the conformational changes that occur with point mutations. We applied GRID and Backrub to 10 high‐resolution (≤ 2.8 Å) crystal structures from the Protein Data Bank and measured the energy improvements obtained and the computation times required to achieve them. GRID resulted in energy improvements that were significantly better than those attained by Backrub while expending about the same amount of computational resources. GRID resulted in relaxed structures that had slightly higher backbone RMSDs compared to Backrub relative to the starting crystal structures. The average RMSD was 0.25 ± 0.02 Å for GRID versus 0.14 ± 0.04 Å for Backrub. These relatively minor deviations indicate that both algorithms generate structures that retain their original topologies, as expected given the nature of the algorithms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure and spectroscopic aspects of water‐halide ion clusters: A study based on a conjunction of stochastic and quantum chemical methods
Authors: Neogi Soumya Ganguly , Chaudhury Pinaki
Published: October 2012

In this article, we propose a stochastic search based method, namely genetic algorithm in conjunction with density functional theory to evaluate structures of water‐halide microclusters, with the halide ion being Cl−, Br−, and I−. Once the structures are established, we evaluate the infrared spectroscopic modes, vertical detachment energies and natural population analysis based charges. We compare our results with available experimental and theoretical results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Pilot Study and Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mindful Self‐Compassion Program
Authors: Neff Kristin D. , Germer Christopher K.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

The aim of these two studies was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mindful Self‐Compassion (MSC) program, an 8‐week workshop designed to train people to be more self‐compassionate.

Methods

Study 1 was a pilot study that examined change scores in self‐compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes among community adults (N = 21; mean [M] age = 51.26, 95% female). Study 2 was a randomized controlled trial that compared a treatment group (N = 25; M age = 51.21; 78% female) with a waitlist control group (N = 27; M age = 49.11; 82% female).

Results

Study 1 found significant pre/post gains in self‐compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes. Study 2 found that compared with the control group, intervention participants reported significantly larger increases in self‐compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing. Gains were maintained at 6‐month and 1‐year follow‐ups.

Conclusions

The MSC program appears to be effective at enhancing self‐compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
Combat Exposure and Suicide Risk in Two Samples of Military Personnel
Authors: Bryan Craig J. , Hernandez Ann Marie , Allison Sybil , Clemans Tracy
Published: October 2012

Objective

In light of increased suicidal behaviors among military personnel and veterans since the initiation of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, questions have been raised about the potential causal role of combat. The objective of the current study was to identify any direct or indirect effects of combat exposure on suicide risk through depression symptom severity, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and fearlessness about death, consistent with the interpersonal‐psychological theory of suicide (Joiner, 2005).

Method

Structural equation modeling was utilized with two separate samples of deployed military personnel, 1 nonclinical (n = 348; 89.7% male, mean age = 24.50) and 1 clinical (n = 219; 91.8% male, mean age = 27.88), to test the effects of combat exposure on suicide risk.

Results

Greater combat exposure was directly associated with fearlessness about death and PTSD symptom severity in both samples, but failed to show either a direct or indirect effect on suicide risk. PTSD symptom severity was strongly associated with depression symptom severity, which in turn was related to suicide risk directly (in the nonclinical sample) or indirectly through low belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (in the clinical sample).

Conclusions

In both samples of deployed active duty military personnel, combat exposure was either unrelated to suicide risk or was too distally related to have a measurable effect. Results do not support the interpersonal‐psychological theory's hypothesis that combat exposure should be indirectly related to suicide risk through acquired fearlessness of death.
Evaluation of the alcoholic fermentation kinetics of enzymatic hydrolysates from sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Ramos de Andrade Rafael , Cândida Rabelo Sarita , Maugeri Filho Francisco , Maciel Filho Rubens , Carvalho da Costa Aline
Published: October 2012

Background

The efficient production of bioethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae using lignocellulosic biomass as raw material depends on the fermentability of the hydrolysates. In this work the evaluation of the kinetics of ethanol production by S. cerevisiae using enzymatic hydrolysates was performed and compared with the kinetics of diluted sugarcane molasses fermentation.

Results

A term for inhibition by acetic acid was added to a previous model, the kinetic parameters were re‐estimated and the model has been shown to describe accurately new experiments with distinct hydrolysates proportions as fermentative media. Among all the kinetic parameters, a great reduction in μmax (from 0.437 to 0.37 h−1, at 34°C), and increment in Ypx (from 9.89 to 16.63 kg kg−1, at 34°C) were noted, which strongly affected the kinetics of fermentation.

Conclusions

The kinetic parameters obtained for hydrolysates differed very significantly from those obtained using molasses, which shows that models developed to describe the kinetics of first generation ethanol production need to be reformulated and adapted to describe the kinetics of second generation ethanol fermentation. The productivities achieved were between 1 and 3 kg m‐3 h−1, which are considered acceptable for alcoholic fermentations in batch mode, showing the good fermentability of hydrolysates even without detoxification. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Cornification in reptilian epidermis occurs through the deposition of keratin‐associated beta‐proteins (beta‐keratins) onto a scaffold of intermediate filament keratins
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: October 2012

The isolation of genes for alpha‐keratins and keratin‐associated beta‐proteins (formerly beta‐keratins) has allowed the production of epitope‐specific antibodies for localizing these proteins during the process of cornification epidermis of reptilian sauropsids. The antibodies are directed toward proteins in the alpha‐keratin range (40–70 kDa) or beta‐protein range (10–30 kDa) of most reptilian sauropsids. The ultrastructural immunogold study shows the localization of acidic alpha‐proteins in suprabasal and precorneous epidermal layers in lizard, snake, tuatara, crocodile, and turtle while keratin‐associated beta‐proteins are localized in precorneous and corneous layers. This late activation of the synthesis of keratin‐associated beta‐proteins is typical for keratin‐associated and corneous proteins in mammalian epidermis (involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin) or hair (tyrosine‐rich or sulfur‐rich proteins). In turtles and crocodilians epidermis, keratin‐associated beta‐proteins are synthesized in upper spinosus and precorneous layers and accumulate in the corneous layer. The complex stratification of lepidosaurian epidermis derives from the deposition of specific glycine‐rich versus cysteine‐glycine‐rich keratin‐associated beta‐proteins in cells sequentially produced from the basal layer and not from the alternation of beta‐ with alpha‐keratins. The process gives rise to Oberhäutchen, beta‐, mesos‐, and alpha‐layers during the shedding cycle of lizards and snakes. Differently from fish, amphibian, and mammalian keratin‐associated proteins (KAPs) of the epidermis, the keratin‐associated beta‐proteins of sauropsids are capable to form filaments of 3–4 nm which give rise to an X‐ray beta‐pattern as a consequence of the presence of a beta‐pleated central region of high homology, which seems to be absent in KAPs of the other vertebrates. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Center index method—an alternative for wear measurements with radiostereometry (RSA)
Authors: Dahl Jon , Figved Wender , Snorrason Finnur , Nordsletten Lars , Röhrl Stephan M.
Published: October 2012

Radiostereometry (RSA) is considered to be the most precise and accurate method for wear‐measurements in total hip replacement. Post‐operative stereoradiographs has so far been necessary for wear measurement. Hence, the use of RSA has been limited to studies planned for RSA measurements. We compared a new RSA method for wear measurements that does not require previous radiographs with conventional RSA. Instead of comparing present stereoradiographs with post‐operative ones, we developed a method for calculating the post‐operative position of the center of the femoral head on the present examination and using this as the index measurement. We compared this alternative method to conventional RSA in 27 hips in an ongoing RSA study. We found a high degree of agreement between the methods for both mean proximal (1.19 mm vs. 1.14 mm) and mean 3D wear (1.52 mm vs. 1.44 mm) after 10 years. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were 0.958 and 0.955, respectively (p < 0.001 for both ICCs). The results were also within the limits of agreement when plotted subject‐by‐subject in a Bland–Altman plot. Our alternative method for wear measurements with RSA offers comparable results to conventional RSA measurements. It allows precise wear measurements without previous radiological examinations. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 480–484, 2013
Conversion from external fixator to intramedullary nail causes a second hit and impairs fracture healing in a severe trauma model
Authors: Recknagel Stefan , Bindl Ronny , Wehner Tim , Göckelmann Melanie , Wehrle Esther , Gebhard Florian , Huber‐Lang Markus , Claes Lutz , Ignatius Anita
Published: October 2012

In poly‐traumatic patients, second hits are known to potentiate the posttraumatic systemic inflammatory response, thus increasing the risk of multi‐organ dysfunction. In accordance with “damage control orthopaedic surgery” principles, fractures are initially treated with external fixators, which are replaced by internal osteosynthesis once the immunological status of the patient is considered stable. Recently, we demonstrated that a severe trauma impaired the healing of fractures stabilized by external fixation during the entire healing period. The question arose, whether switching to intramedullary nailing increases the inflammatory response in terms of a second hit, leading to a further impairment of bone healing. Wistar rats received a femoral osteotomy stabilized by an external fixator. Simultaneously half of the rats underwent an additional thoracic trauma. After 4 days, the external fixator was replaced by an intramedullary nail in half of the rats of the two groups. The inflammatory response was evaluated by measuring serum C5a levels. Fracture healing was determined by three‐point‐bending, µCT, and histomorphometry. The thoracic trauma significantly increased C5a concentrations 6, 24, and 72 h after the second surgical intervention. After 40 days, conversion to intramedullary nailing considerably decreased the flexural rigidity of the callus, with no significant differences between rats with or without thoracic trauma. After 47 days, flexural rigidity in rats subjected to conversion remained decreased compared to animals solely treated by external fixation, particularly in combination with blunt chest trauma. The results indicate that accumulation of second hits after multiple injuries could lead to aggravation of the fracture healing outcome. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 465–471, 2013
Optimization of an oil leaching process to reduce the level of dioxins and dioxin‐like PCBs in fishmeal
Authors: Oterhals Åge , Kvamme Bjørn
Published: October 2012

Background

Fishmeal produced from fish caught in polluted fishing areas might contain dioxins and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) above maximum permitted levels (MPL) for use in feed. Decontamination of the fishmeal can be achieved by hexane extraction. The principal objective of this study was to optimize a more environmentally friendly alternative based on oil leaching of the moist presscake intermediate product during fishmeal manufacturing.

Results

A central composite design and response surface methodology was used to study the influence of the process variables temperature (T), presscake moisture content (MC) and leaching time (LT) on the decontamination process. A significant squared MC effect was observed, resulting in an optimum leaching rate at 27% MC. This corresponds to 5% improved dibenzo‐p‐dioxin/dibenzo furan (PCDD/F)–PCB toxic equivalent (TEQ) reduction compared to normal presscake (55% MC). The initial leaching rate was fast, with a TEQ reduction of 69% after only 2 min at 87 °C and 55% MC. Under the best experimental conditions (87 °C, 38% MC, 12 min LT) a TEQ reduction of 82% was achieved. Excess oil in the presscake after the leaching operation could be removed by use of a water washing step. No reduction in protein quality measured by mink digestibility could be observed.

Conclusion

The results confirm that the oil leaching process is robust and offers easily achievable TEQ levels well below present MPLs based on process conditions normally used by the industry. Comparative effects on non‐dioxin‐like PCBs are expected. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of exogenously applied abscisic acid on carotenoid content and water uptake in flowers of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Baldermann Susanne , Yang Ziyin , Sakai Miwa , Fleischmann Peter , Morita Akio , Todoroki Yasushi , Watanabe Naoharu
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Carotenoids are a major class of plant pigments and fulfill many functions in different organisms that either produce or consume them. Although the color of the stamina of tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers is clearly due to the presence of carotenoids, the carotenoid profile and content remain to be discovered.

RESULTS

We investigated the carotenoid profile of tea flowers and determined changes in concentrations over the floral development. The flowers contained oxygenated xanthophylls such as neoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as the hydrocarbons β‐carotene and α‐carotene. Flowers of the tea plant contain to vegetables comparable amounts of carotenoids. The content of 9′‐cis‐epoxycarotenoids, which serve as abscisic acid precursors, as well as changes in concentration of abscisic acid were studied. The concentrations of carotenoids decreased whereas the abscisic acid content increased over the floral development. Exogenously applied S‐abscisic acid affected water uptake, flower opening and carotenoid accumulation.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this paper reports, for the first time, the carotenoid profile and content of tea flowers. The study revealed that carotenoids in tea flowers are an interesting target in respect of possible applications of tea flower extracts as well as biological functions of abscisic acid during floral development. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a new rabbit monoclonal antibody and its based competitive indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for rapid detection of sulfonamides
Authors: Liu Na , Han Zheng , Lu Lei , Wang Lin , Ni Geng , Zhao Zhihui , Wu Aibo , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: October 2012

Background

Monoclonal antibodies generally obtained through the classic mouse hybridoma system were requisite for the establishment of various immunoassays. In this study, a new rabbit monoclonal antibody (RabMAb) against sulfonamides (SAs) was first produced via hybridoma technique in rabbit. The related enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was then developed and applied to real sample analysis.

Results

A sensitive competitive indirect ELISA method based on a novel RabMAb for rapid detection of sulfonamides was first established. The obtained half‐maximum inhibition concentration (IC50) values for four SAs were all below 10 ng mL−1, with 0.68 ng mL−1 sulfathiazole (STZ), 1.11 ng mL−1 sulfadiazine (SD), 1.15 ng mL−1 sulfapyridine (SP) and 5.27 ng mL−1 sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Desirable recoveries when detecting different spiked swine urine and milk samples were achieved ranging from 92.6% to 104.3% and from 61.1% to 81.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed immunoassay with the newly developed RabMAb is capable of detection of four SAs (STZ, SD, SP and SMX) with proven satisfactory performance and is applicable for routine large‐scale analysis in practical uses.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of the domain structure of the 7S and 11S globulins from soy proteins by XRD and FTIR
Authors: Chen Jun , Chen Xiangyan , Zhu Qingjun , Chen Fengliang , Zhao Xiaoyan , Ao Qiang
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

The 7S and 11S fractions from soybean proteins have interesting high nutritional and excellent functional properties. The aim of this research was to improve the functional properties of soy proteins by studying the effect of bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse micelles on the conformation of the 7S and 11S globulins using Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Fourier transform infrared revealed that the intensity of the 7S and 11S globulin bands from AOT reverse micelle extraction at 1600–1700, 1480–1575, 1220–1300, 3330, 1448 and 1395 cm−1 was higher than from aqueous buffer. X‐ray diffraction data showed that the intensities of 7S globulin using two extraction methods at 2θ about 10° were significantly different (P < 0.05), about 22° slightly increased. The intensities of 11S globulin at 2θ about 10° and 22° were similar. The average distance between particles (dhkl) for 7S globulin with aqueous buffer extraction at 2θ about 10° was greater than AOT reverse micelle extraction.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the potential of reverse micelles as a protocol for extracting the 7S and 11S globulins for analytical purposes. The results represent a new avenue for determining the structures of the 7S and 11S globulins. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The activity of antioxidant enzymes in response to salt stress in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seedlings raised from seed treated with chitosan
Authors: Jabeen Nusrat , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: October 2012

Background

Salt tolerance is a complex trait which involves the coordinated action of many genes that perform a variety of functions, such as ion sequestration, metabolic adjustment, osmotic adjustment and antioxidative defence. In this article, the growth and the generation and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under normal (ECiw [Electrical conductivity of irrigation water] = 0.5 dS m−1) and salt stress conditions (ECiw = 3.4, 6.1, 8.6 and 10.8 dS m−1) in relation to the priming of seeds of the two important oil yielding crops, i.e. safflower and sunflower, with different concentrations of chitosan [0% (control), 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%] is discussed.

Results

Induced salinity stress significantly decreased germination percentage, germination rate, length and weight of root and shoot, and protein content. Proline content, malondialdehyde content (MDA), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) activity increased at 10.8 dS m−1. Under control conditions there were no significant differences in germination percentage among different concentrations of chitosan, whereas CAT and POX activity were increased by low concentrations of chitosan. With increasing salt stress, low concentrations of chitosan increased germination percentage but decreased MDA and proline contents and CAT and POX activity.

Conclusion

Generation of ROS seems to be unavoidable under normal conditions and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in plants varies in terms of ROS generation under salt stress. However, the data indicate that plants subjected to salt stress‐induced oxidative stress and the low concentrations of chitosan exhibited positive effects on salt stress alleviation through the reduction of enzyme activity in both crops. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Flexible bistable chiral nematic liquid crystal display with enhanced memory characteristic by surface treatment
Authors: Bae Kwang‐Soo , Kim Minju , Moon Yeon‐Kyu , Kim Youngsik , Yu Chang‐Jae , Kim Jae‐Hoon
Published: October 2012

We proposed a flexible bistable chiral splay nematic liquid crystal display with the enhanced memory characteristics by the surface treatment with reactive mesogen (RM). With the polymerized RM structure on alignment layers adopted, the energy barrier between splay and π‐twisted states in the bistable chiral splay nematic liquid crystal mode is increased because of the enhancement of the azimuthal anchoring energy, and thus, the spontaneous relaxation from the π‐twisted state to the initial splay state is remarkably impeded. As a result, the memory retention time became twice as long as that of the conventional cell without the polymerized RM structure, and the stable memory characteristics were maintained against the external deformation.
Pathological subtrochanteric fractures in 194 patients: A comparison of outcome after surgical treatment of pathological and non‐pathological fractures
Authors: Weiss Rüdiger J. , Ekström Wilhelmina , Hansen Bjarne H. , Keller Johnny , Laitinen Minna , Trovik Clement , Zaikova Olga , Wedin Rikard
Published: October 2012

Background

The surgical treatment of pathological subtrochanteric fractures has been associated with technical difficulties and frequent failures. We analyzed survival, risk factors for death, and outcome after surgical treatment.

Methods

The study group consisted of 194 patients with pathological subtrochanteric femur fractures operated during 1999–2009. Cox multiple‐regression analysis was performed to study risk factors and results were expressed as hazard ratios (HR). We included a control group with non‐pathological subtrochanteric fractures (n = 87) for comparison.

Results

The median age at surgery was 68 (29–96) years in the study group and 82 (66–101) in the controls. The 1‐year survival rate after surgery was 33% (95% CI: 26–40) in the study group and 85% (79–93) in the controls. In the study group, the risk of death after surgery was increased for patients ≥65 years of age (HR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.1), with a moderate (HR 2.2, 1.5–3.4) and poor (HR 2.9, 1.6–5.2) Karnofsky score, with visceral metastases (HR 1.6, 1.1–2.3), and perioperative hemoglobin levels <100 g/L (HR 2.2, 1.3–3.7). In patients with pathological fractures, there was no statistically significant difference concerning reoperation rates comparing intramedullary nails (9%) with endoprostheses (6%; P = 0.3).

Conclusions

Surgery for pathological subtrochanteric femur fractures is a relatively safe and effective procedure. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:498–504. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous determination of 20 components in red wine by LC‐MS: Application to variations of red wine components in decanting
Authors: Cui Yan , Li Qing , Liu Zhenzhen , Geng Lulu , Zhao Xu , Chen Xiaohui , Bi Kaishun
Published: October 2012

The decanting of red wines has a long tradition in red wine service from the perspective of modifying the aroma or taste of a wine. A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 20 organic acids and polyphenols in decanting red wine. The separation was performed on a Diamonsil C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) using a mobile phase composed of methanol‐0.1% acetic acid under gradient elution. Analysis was performed in selected ion monitoring mode with negative electrospray ionization interface. All the linear regressions showed good linear relationships (r2 > 0.9973) between the peak area and concentration of each marker. The assay was reproducible with overall intra and interday variation of less than 5.0%. The recoveries for the quantified compounds were observed over the range of 92.1–108.3% with RSD values less than 5.7%. The method developed was successfully applied to determine the variations of the 20 components in red wine after decanting in different conditions. Concentrations of most organic acids and polyphenols investigated in the red wine were decreased in decanting. In addition, increment of duration, temperature, and light intensity would intensify the changes.
Classification of glottic insufficiency and tension asymmetry using a multilayer perceptron
Authors: Hoffman Matthew R. , Surender Ketan , Devine Erin E. , Jiang Jack J.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

Laryngeal function can be evaluated from multiple perspectives, including aerodynamic input, acoustic output, and mucosal wave vibratory characteristics. To determine the classifying power of each of these, we used a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (ANN) to classify data as normal, glottic insufficiency, or tension asymmetry.

Study design:

Case series analyzing data obtained from excised larynges simulating different conditions.

Methods:

Aerodynamic, acoustic, and videokymographic data were collected from excised canine larynges simulating normal, glottic insufficiency, and tension asymmetry. Classification of samples was performed using a multilayer perceptron ANN.

Results:

A classification accuracy of 84% was achieved when including all parameters. Classification accuracy dropped below 75% when using only aerodynamic or acoustic parameters and below 65% when using only videokymographic parameters.

Conclusions:

Samples were classified with the greatest accuracy when using a wide range of parameters. Decreased classification accuracies for individual groups of parameters demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive voice assessment when evaluating dysphonia. Laryngoscope, 2012
Anatomical basis and clinical application of the ulnar forearm free flap for head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Huang Jung‐Ju , Wu Chih‐Wei , Lam Wee Leon , Nguyen Dung H. , Kao Huang‐Kai , Lin Chia‐Yu , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

This study was designed to investigate the anatomical features and applications of the ulnar forearm flap in head and neck reconstructive surgery.

Study Design:

A prospective study was designed to include 50 ulnar forearm free flap transplants in 50 patients. Patient defects requiring reconstructive surgery involved the buccal mucosa, tongue, floor of the mouth, upper or lower gums, lips, soft palate, and scalp. Twenty ulnar forearm flaps were analyzed along the entire ulnar artery to determine the anatomy and distribution of the ulnar artery septocutaneous perforators.

Results:

All 50 flaps were successfully transplanted into their respective sites. The mean diameters of the ulnar artery and vein were 2.3 ± 0.6 mm and 1.7 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. Arterial and venous size mismatch was experienced in 12 and 33 flaps, respectively. The mean number of sizable perforators was 4.3 ± 1.2, and most of the first perforators were located within 5 cm of the proximal wrist crease. None of the patients experienced long‐term complications concerning the ulnar nerve.

Conclusions:

The ulnar forearm flap is a reliably consistent source of free flap transfer because it harbors constant septocutaneous perforators and produces minimal donor site morbidities for head and neck reconstructive surgery. Laryngoscope, 2012
Women otolaryngologist representation in specialty society membership and leadership positions
Authors: Choi Sukgi S. , Miller Robert H.
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the proportion of female otolaryngologists in leadership positions relative to their number in the specialty, their membership in various otolaryngology organizations, and age.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional analyses of otolaryngology organization membership with a subgroup analysis on female membership and leadership proportion comparing 5‐year male/female cohort groups.

Methods:

Information on the number of members and leaders was obtained from various specialty societies by direct communication and from their Web sites between June and December 2010. The number of female and male otolaryngologists and their age distribution in 5‐year age groups was obtained from the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS). Statistical analyses were used to determine whether women had proportional membership and leadership representation in various specialty societies. Additionally, female representation in other leadership roles was analyzed using the male/female ratio within the 5‐year cohort groups.

Results:

Female otolaryngologists were found to constitute approximately 11% of practicing otolaryngologists. The American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology had a higher proportion of female members (22%) compared to five other societies. When the gender composition within each organization was taken into account, female representation in specialty society leadership positions was proportionate to their membership across all societies. When gender and age were considered, women have achieved proportionate representation in each of the specialty societies' leadership positions. There was also proportionate representation of females as program directors, American Board of Otolaryngology directors, Residency Review Committee members, and journal editors/editorial board members. Finally, fewer female chairs or chiefs of departments/divisions were seen, but when age was taken into consideration, this difference was no longer significant.

Conclusion:

Women have achieved parity in otolaryngology leadership positions. As the number and seniority of women increase, the specialty should continue to monitor representation of women in leadership positions. Laryngoscope, 2012
Role of frontal sinus surgery in nasal polyp recurrence
Authors: Bassiouni Ahmed , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Patients with aggressive nasal polyp recurrence form an important subgroup of patients with refractory sinus disease. The objectives of this study were to establish patterns of polyp recurrence and evaluate the effect of frontal sinus surgery (Draf 2a vs. Draf 3) on polyp recurrence.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study reviewing 338 consecutive operations.

Methods:

Polyp recurrence was defined according to the Lund‐Kennedy mucosal edema score. Survival analysis methods were used for statistics.

Results:

After complete sphenoethmoidectomies, Draf 2a frontal sinusotomies, and middle meatal antrostomies persistent polyp recurrence occurred in 19.8% of patients after 6 months and increased to 22.7% of patients after 12 months. Polyps first recurred in the area of the frontal sinus/ostium (55%) followed by the ethmoids (38%). Asthma and aspirin sensitivity were the most important variables affecting recurrence (hazard ratios, 1.71, 1.79, respectively; P < .05) The Draf 3 procedure was a significant factor in reducing recurrence, especially in asthma and aspirin intolerant patients. The overall revision rate was 18% (follow‐up duration >12 months, median = 29 months), with a 37% revision rate in the FESS group versus 7% in the Draf 3 group (P < .001). Survival analysis showed that the Draf 3 significantly reduced the risk of revision (hazard ratio = 0.258, P = .0026).

Conclusions:

Nasal polyposis is characterized by a high rate of recurrence. The presence of asthma or aspirin intolerance leads to more aggressive recurrence, and in these patients the Draf 3 drillout procedure becomes a good option for improved long‐term outcomes and reducing the need for revision surgery. Laryngoscope, 2013
Comparison of buffered and nonbuffered nasal saline irrigations in treating allergic rhinitis
Authors: Chusakul Supinda , Warathanasin Sukanya , Suksangpanya Naphorn , Phannaso Chuntima , Ruxrungtham Saran , Snidvongs Kornkiat , Aeumjaturapat Songklot
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

We aimed to study the effect of alkalinity of isotonic nasal saline irrigation on nasal symptoms, mucociliary clearance, nasal patency, and patient's preference in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Study Design:

A double‐blind, randomized, three‐arm crossover study.

Methods:

Patients with AR were enrolled. Three kinds of isotonic nasal saline irrigations: nonbuffered (pH 6.2–6.4), buffered with mild alkalinity (pH 7.2–7.4), and buffered with alkalinity (pH 8.2–8.4) were given one at a time, in different orders. Patients rinsed their nose with 240 ml of one solution twice daily for 10 days and then swapped to the others. The washout period was at least 5 days. Primary outcomes were nasal symptoms, mucociliary clearance time, and nasal patency. Outcomes were compared between baseline and posttreatment and also between various kinds of solution. Secondary outcomes were patients' preference and adverse events.

Results:

Thirty‐six subjects entered the study, and there were no dropouts. Overall nasal symptom was significantly improved from baseline (P = 0.03) only by buffered solution with mild alkalinity. Sneezing was significantly improved from baseline (P = 0.04) only by buffered solution with alkalinity. No other significant improvements were achieved by any solution. When comparing between the three nasal irrigations, there were no differences in all parameters. The patients significantly preferred the buffered solution with mild alkalinity (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Buffered isotonic saline with some degree of alkalinity may improve nasal symptoms. Isotonic saline irrigations, regardless of alkalinity, may not improve mucociliary function and nasal patency. Buffered isotonic saline with mild alkalinity is the most preferred. Laryngoscope, 2013
Diagnostic accuracy of history, laryngoscopy, and stroboscopy
Authors: Paul Benjamin C. , Chen Si , Sridharan Shaum , Fang Yixin , Amin Milan R. , Branski Ryan C.
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Although clinical dogma suggests the value of laryngeal visualization (flexible laryngoscopy and stroboscopy) in dysphonic patients, recently published clinical guidelines suggest that, in many cases, history and/or physical examination are sufficient to guide clinical decision‐making regarding the timing of such examinations. We sought to prospectively quantify the diagnostic accuracy of history, laryngoscopy, and stroboscopy using direct laryngoscopy as the gold standard.

Study Design:

Expert survey.

Methods:

Six laryngologists were presented with vignettes including history and physical examination (HPE), laryngosocpy, and stroboscopy. Questions regarding diagnosis, the certainty of diagnosis, and subsequent management plans were posed. Operative findings via direct laryngoscopy were employed as a comparator.

Results:

The diagnostic accuracy of HPE was quite low (5%). The accuracy of diagnosis increased substantially following laryngeal imaging; 68.3% for both flexible laryngoscopy and stroboscopy. Particular diagnoses were more consistently identified; cancer, for example, was much more accurately identified on laryngoscopy (100%) and stroboscopy (100%) rather than HPE alone (33%). Cancer was selected as the diagnosis in 10 of 60 HPEs, though was only correct once and missed in five cases. In contrast, no diagnoses of cancer were missed following laryngoscopic and/or stroboscopic examinations.

Conclusion:

These findings confirm the value of laryngeal visualization (flexible laryngoscopy and stroboscopy) in dysphonic patients, and the lack of accuracy of history and physical examination in determining the diagnosis in patients with hoarseness. Laryngoscope, 2013