bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paclitaxel‐induced neuropathic pain is age dependent and devolves on glial response
Authors: Ruiz‐Medina J. , Baulies A. , Bura S.A. , Valverde O.
Published: May 2012

Background

Paclitaxel is an antimitotic antitumour drug highly effective against a broad range of cancers considered refractory to conventional chemotherapy. One of the main serious side effects of paclitaxel treatment is the induction of peripheral neuropathic pain that often diminishes the patient's quality of life. In this study, we evaluated the severity of the neuropathy induced by paclitaxel and the inflammatory reaction in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in young, adult and aged male CD1 mice.

Method

Hyperalgesia to noxious thermal stimulus and allodynia to non‐noxious mechanical stimulus were evaluated using the plantar test and the von Frey filament model, respectively. Spinal cord microglia and astrocytes expression was assessed using Iba1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunofluorescence staining, respectively.

Results

All groups of mice showed a higher nociceptive reaction to thermal noxious (hyperalgesia) and mechanical non‐noxious (allodynia) stimuli after paclitaxel treatment. However, these signs of neuropathy were enhanced in young mice followed by aged animals. Additionally, paclitaxel evoked a marked microglial and astrocytic response in the spinal cord of young and aged mice, whereas this enhanced reactivity was less important in adult mice. Indeed, the most severe glial activation observed in juvenile animals correlated well with major signs of neuropathy in this group of age.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that paclitaxel‐induced neuropathy in mice is an age‐dependent phenomenon whose severity devolves on glial response.
Mass transfer trends occurring in engineered ex vivo tissue scaffolds
Authors: Moore Marc , Sarntinoranont Malisa , McFetridge Peter
Published: May 2012

In vivo the vasculature provides an effective delivery system for cellular nutrients; however, artificial scaffolds have no such mechanism, and the ensuing limitations in mass transfer result in limited regeneration. In these investigations, the regional mass transfer properties that occur through a model scaffold derived from the human umbilical vein (HUV) were assessed. Our aim was to define the heterogeneous behavior associated with these regional variations, and to establish if different decellularization technologies can modulate transport conditions to improve microenvironmental conditions that enhance cell integration. The effect of three decellularization methods [Triton X‐100 (TX100), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and acetone/ethanol (ACE/EtOH)] on mass transfer, cellular migration, proliferation, and metabolic activity were assessed. Results show that regional variation in tissue structure and composition significantly affects both mass transfer and cell function. ACE/EtOH decellularization was shown to increase albumin mass flux through the intima and proximate‐medial region (0–250 μm) when compared with sections decellularized with TX100 or SDS; although, mass flux remained constant over all regions of the full tissue thickness when using TX100. Scaffolds decellularized with TX100 were shown to promote cell migration up to 146% further relative to SDS decellularized samples. These results show that depending on scaffold derivation and expectations for cellular integration, specificities of the decellularization chemistry affect the scaffold molecular architecture resulting in variable effects on mass transfer and cellular response. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Endothelial cell attachment and shear response on biomimetic polymer‐coated vascular grafts
Authors: Dudash Lynn A. , Kligman Faina , Sarett Samantha M. , Kottke‐Marchant Kandice , Marchant Roger E.
Published: May 2012

Endothelial cell (EC) adhesion, shear retention, morphology, and hemostatic gene expression on fibronectin (FN) and RGD fluorosurfactant polymer (FSP)‐coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were investigated using an in vitro perfusion system. ECs were sodded on both types of grafts and exposed to 8 dyn/cm2 of shear stress. After 24 h, the EC retention on RGD‐FSP‐coated grafts was 59 ± 14%, which is statistically higher than the 36 ± 11% retention measured on FN grafts (p < 0.02). Additionally, ECs on RGD‐FSP exhibited a more spread morphology and oriented in the direction of shear stress, as demonstrated by actin fiber staining. This spread morphology has been observed earlier in cells that are adapting to shear stress. Real‐time PCR for vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, tissue factor, tissue plasminogen activator, and inducible nitric oxide synthase indicated that the RGD‐FSP material did not activate the cells and that shear stress appears to induce a more vasoprotective phenotype, as shown by a significant decrease in VCAM‐1 expression, compared with sodded grafts. RGD‐FSP‐coating allows for a cell layer that is more resistant to physiological shear stress, as shown by the increased cell retention over FN. This shear stable EC layer is necessary for in vivo endothelialization of the graft material, which shows promise to increase the patency of synthetic small diameter vascular grafts. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Multifunctional nanocomposite based on graphene oxide for in vitro hepatocarcinoma diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Shen Ai‐Jun , Li Dong‐Liang , Cai Xiao‐Jun , Dong Chun‐Yan , Dong Hai‐Qing , Wen Hui‐Yun , Dai Gong‐Hua , Wang Pei‐Jun , Li Yong‐Yong
Published: May 2012

Because of its unique chemical and physical properties, graphene oxide (GO) has attracted a large number of researchers to explore its biomedical applications in the past few years. Here, we synthesized a novel multifunctional nanocomposite based on GO and systemically investigated its applications for in vitro hepatocarcinoma diagnosis and treatment. This multifunctional nanocomposite named GO‐PEG‐FA/Gd/DOX was obtained as the following procedures: gadolinium‐diethylenetriamine‐pentaacetic acid‐poly(diallyl dimethylammonium) chloride (Gd‐DTPA‐PDDA) as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe was applied to modify GO by simple physical sorption with a loading efficiency of Gd3+ up to 0.314 mg mg−1. In order to improve its tumor targeting imaging and treatment efficiency, the obtained intermediate product was further modified with folic acid (FA). Finally, the nanocomposite was allowed to load anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride via π–π stacking and hydrophobic interaction with the loading capacity reaching 1.38 mg mg−1. MRI test revealed that GO‐PEG‐FA/Gd/DOX exhibit superior tumor targeting imaging efficiency over free Gd3+. The in vitro release of DOX from the nanocomposite under tumor relevant condition (pH 5.5) was fast at the initial 10 h and then become relatively slow afterward. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrated that the multifunctional nanocomposite exhibited obviously cytotoxic effect upon cancer cells. Above results are promising for the next in vivo experiment and make it possible to be a potential candidate for malignancy early detection and specific treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2499–2506, 2012.
In vivo evaluation of resorbable bone graft substitutes in mandibular sockets of the beagle
Authors: Shih Tsai‐Chin , Chang Wei‐Jen , Yang Jen‐Chang , Feng Sheng‐Wei , Lin Che‐Tong , Teng Nai‐Chia
Published: May 2012

Hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), with its high biocompatibility and good bioaffinity, stimulates osteoconduction and is slowly replaced by the host bone after implantation. However, clinical use of HA as a bone substitute has proved problematic. It is difficult to prevent dispersion of the HA granules and to mold the granules into the desired shape. Calcium sulfate as a bone graft substitute is rapidly resorbed in vivo releasing calcium ions, but fails to provide a long‐term, three‐dimensional framework to support osteoconduction. The setting properties of calcium sulfate, however, allow it to be applied in a slurry form, making it easier to handle and apply in different situations. This study examines the in vivo response of a (Hydroxyapatite, apatitic phase)/calcium sulfate dehydrate (CSD) composite using different ratios in the mandibular premolar sockets of the beagle. The HA (AP)/CSD composite materials prepared in ratios of 30/70, 50/50, and 70/30 were implanted into the mandibular premolar sockets for 5 and 10 weeks. The control socket was empty. The authors compared the radiographic properties and the changes in height and width of the mandibular premolar sockets in the beagle. The composite graft in the 30/70 ratio had the best ability to form new bones. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2726–2731, 2012.
Effects of calcium salts of acidic monomers on mineral induction of phosphoprotein immobilized to agarose beads
Authors: Ito Shuichi , Iijima Masahiro , Motai Fumiko , Mizoguchi Itaru , Saito Takashi
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study is to evaluate the mineralizing potential of acidic monomers and their calcium salts for mineralization, using anin vitromineral induction model. Phosvitin (PV) was used as a model phosphoprotein in this study. PV was immobilized on agarose beads with divinyl sulfone. Five aliquots of agarose‐immobilized PV, acidic monomers, and their calcium salts were incubated in mineralizing solution at various concentrations. The PV beads and acidic monomers were incubated at 37°C. Samples were taken at several time points during the incubation. Then, the agarose beads were analyzed for bound calcium by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mineral formed on the agarose beads was identified as an apatite by microarea X‐ray diffraction. Additionally, the specimens were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mineral induction time decreased with increasing solution saturation. 4‐METCa salt [calcium salt of 4‐methacryloxyethyl trimellitate (CMET)] significantly reduced the mineral induction time. Using these data, the interfacial tension for mineral induction of PV and CMET was determined to be 90.1 and 92.7 ergs/cm2, respectively. The mineral induced in each specimen after incubation for 24 h was identified by its X‐ray diffraction pattern as apatite. SEM observation showed that lath‐shaped crystals were formed on the surfaces of the CMET. We conclude that CMET could play a role in dentin remineralization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2760–2765, 2012.
Mesenchymal stem cells associated with porous chitosan–gelatin scaffold: A potential strategy for alveolar bone regeneration
Authors: Miranda Suzana C. C. C. , Silva Gerluza A. B. , Mendes Renato M. , Abreu Fernando Antônio M. , Caliari Marcelo V. , Alves José B. , Goes Alfredo M.
Published: May 2012

Tissue engineering has emerged as a novel treatment for replacement of lost bone tissue. This study evaluated the effects of a chitosan–gelatin scaffold seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) in the healing process of tooth sockets in rats. BMMSCs isolated from transgenic rats expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were expanded and seeded on a chitosan–gelatin scaffold. These constructs were cultured for three days and characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). Receptor rats received the implant in the left sockets, after upper first‐molar extraction. Right alveoli served as control. Animals were sacrificed at days 5, 21, and 35 post‐graft for examination. Morphometry demonstrated increased bone mineralization after 21 and 35 days in transplanted sockets. Migration, differentiation, and fate of eGFP‐labeled BMMSCs were monitored by immunohistochemistry. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining (TRAP) was carried out at 21 days, to identify the involvement of osteoclastic cells in the scaffold resorption. The biomaterial was resorbed by TRAP‐negative giant cells in a typical foreign body reaction. Immunohistochemical findings showed that BMMSCs contributed to bone, epithelial, and vascular repair. Together, results indicate that BMMSCs loaded in the chitosan–gelatin scaffold is a strategy for tissue development in bone engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2775–2786, 2012.
Alginates induce differentiation and expression of CXCR7 and CXCL12/SDF‐1 in human keratinocytes—The role of calcium
Authors: Stenvik Jørgen , Sletta Håvard , Grimstad Øystein , Pukstad Brita , Ryan Liv , Aune Randi , Strand Wenche , Tøndervik Anne , Helge Torp Sverre , Skjåk‐Bræk Gudmund , Espevik Terje
Published: May 2012

Alginates from seaweed are used in chronic wound management, though the molecular and cellular effects of various alginate dressings are not well documented. We have developed ultrapure sodium‐alginates from Pseudomonas fluorescens with different content and distribution of single guluronic acid (G) residues (0–45% G), and tested their biological activities on human primary keratinocytes (KCs). The alginates inhibited KC migration and induced expression of differentiation markers. The potency of the alginates correlated with the increasing percentage of single G residues. These findings were explained by different binding and release of ionic calcium (Ca++) from the alginates which subsequently triggered differentiation. Ca‐free alginates had no effect on KC migration and differentiation, but the chemokine receptor CXCR7 was upregulated. Q‐PCR revealed that also CXCL12/SDF‐1, one of two known CXCR7‐ligands, was induced by the alginates. Both CXCR7 and CXCL12‐induction was dependent on the alginate G‐content, and highest upregulation was induced by an alginate with 19% single G residues. In the epidermis, CXCR7 expression was restricted to the basal layer. This study defines two biological effects of ultrapure alginates on KCs, both being dependent on the alginate structure, and being either dependent or independent of Ca. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2803–2812, 2012.
Influence of fourth generation poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers on blood cells
Authors: Ziemba Barbara , Halets Inessa , Shcharbin Dzmitry , Appelhans Dietmar , Voit Brigitte , Pieszynski Ireneusz , Bryszewska Maria , Klajnert Barbara
Published: May 2012

Dendrimers provide many exciting opportunities for potential biomedical applications. However, owing to their positively charged surfaces, poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendrimers show toxic and haemolytic activities. One of the methods for masking the peripheral cationic groups is to modify them using carbohydrate residues. In this study, three types of the fourth generation PPI dendrimers‐uncoated (PPI‐g4), approximately 35% maltotriose (Mal‐III)‐coated (PPI‐g4‐OS), and approximately 90% Mal‐III‐coated (PPI‐g4‐DS) were investigated by assessing their effects on red blood cell (RBC) haemolysis in samples of pure RBCs, RBCs in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) or human plasma, and RBCs in whole blood. Lymphocyte proliferation and platelet (PLT) aggregation were also studied in the presence of various concentrations of dendrimers. Although all dendrimers examined affected all the blood cells studied, the unmodified PPI‐g4 had the most damaging effect. It caused high RBC haemolysis rates and PLT aggregation and greatly inhibited lymphocyte proliferation. These effects were caused by the cationic surface of this polymer. The modification of PPI‐g4 with Mal‐III reduced the effect of the dendrimer on all blood cells. The presence of HSA or plasma in the buffer containing the RBCs or RBC in whole blood significantly decreased the extent of dendrimer‐driven haemolysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:2870–2880, 2012.
Histological and molecular evaluation of iron as degradable medical implant material in a murine animal model
Authors: Mueller Peter P. , Arnold Sylvia , Badar Muhammad , Bormann Dirk , Bach Friedrich‐Wilhelm , Drynda Andreas , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andrea , Hauser Hansjörg , Peuster Matthias
Published: May 2012

A small animal model was established to evaluate the potential of iron as a degradable implant material. After insertion into the tail of mice, the implants gradually degraded over a clinically relevant time period of several months. Histological analysis and gene expression data from whole‐genome microarray analyses indicated a limited inflammatory reaction. No evidence of cellular responses to excess iron ions was detected, suggesting that the iron degradation products were metabolically inactive. Iron‐rich compounds could be detected in the vicinity of the implant and in individual cells distant from the implantation site. These results demonstrate that the mouse model could be useful for the primaryin vivoevaluation of novel implant materials and that iron degradation products can accumulate in diverse organs of the body. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:2881–2889, 2012.
β1‐adrenergic receptor autoantibodies from heart failure patients enhanced TNF‐α secretion in RAW264.7 macrophages in a largely PKA‐dependent fashion
Authors: Du Yunhui , Yan Li , Du Hongwei , Wang Li , Ding Fan , Quan Lin , Cheng Xiuli , Song Kai , Liu Huirong
Published: May 2012

Autoantibodies against the second extracellular loop of β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1‐AA) not only contribute to increased susceptibility to heart failure, but also play a causative role in myocardial remodeling through their catecholamine‐like effects via binding with the β1‐adrenergic receptor. The current study was designed to determine whether β1‐AA isolated from the sera of heart failure patients could cause TNF‐α secretion from the murine macrophage‐like cell line RAW264.7. Blood samples were collected from 40 patients who had suffered heart failure, as well as from 40 healthy subjects. The titer of β1‐AA and the level of TNF‐α were detected using ELISA. The effect of β1‐AA on murine macrophage‐like cell line RAW264.7 proliferation was detected by CCK‐8 kits and CFSE assay. Western blot assay was used to analyze the expression of phospho‐VASP. β1‐AA appeared more frequently in patients with heart failure than in healthy subjects. The β1‐AA isolated from heart failure patients promoted an increase of TNF‐α levels, which could be completely blocked by the selective β1‐adrenergic receptor antagonist metoprolol and the second extracellular loop of β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1‐AR‐ECII), but only partially inhibited by PKA inhibitor H89. Furthermore, the β1‐AA could enhance the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, the expression of phospho‐VASP was markedly increased in the presence of β1‐AA. These results demonstrate for the first time that the β1‐AA isolated from heart failure patients could bind with β1‐AR on the surface of RAW264.7 cells, causing the release of TNF‐α largely in a PKA‐dependent fashion. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3218–3228, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BMP2 induces osteoblast apoptosis in a maturation state and noggin‐dependent manner
Authors: Hyzy Sharon L. , Olivares‐Navarrete Rene , Schwartz Zvi , Boyan Barbara D.
Published: May 2012

Large doses of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) are used clinically to induce bone formation in challenging bone defects. However, complications after treatment include swelling, ectopic bone formation, and adjacent bone resorption. While BMP2 can be effective, it is important to characterize the mechanism of the deleterious effects to optimize its use. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BMP2 on apoptosis in osteoblast lineage cells and to determine the role of the BMP inhibitor Noggin in this process. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), immature osteoblast‐like MG63 cells, and mature normal human osteoblasts (NHOst) were treated with BMP2. A model system of increased endogenous BMP signaling was created by silencing Noggin (shNOG‐MG63). Finally, the BMP pathway regulating apoptosis in NHOst was examined using BMP signaling inhibitors (5Z‐7‐oxozeaenol, dorsomorphin, H‐8). Apoptosis was characterized by caspase‐3, BAX/BCL2, p53, and DNA fragmentation. BMP2 induced apoptosis in a cell‐type dependent manner. While the effect was minor in MSCs, MG63 cells had modest increases and NHOst cells had robust increases apoptosis after BMP2 treatment. Apoptosis was significantly higher in shNOG‐MG63 than MG63 cells. 5Z‐7‐oxozeaenol and dorsomorphin eliminated the BMP2‐induced increase in DNA fragmentation in NHOst, suggesting roles for TAB/TAK1 and Smad signaling. These results indicate that the apoptotic effect of BMP2 is dependent on cell maturation state, inducing apoptosis in committed osteoblasts through Smad and TAB/TAK1 signaling, and is regulated by Noggin. Dose and delivery must be optimized in therapeutic applications of BMP2 to minimize complications. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3236–3245, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenetic modulation by TFII‐I during embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Bayarsaihan Dashzeveg , Makeyev Aleksandr V. , Enkhmandakh Badam
Published: May 2012

TFII‐I transcription factors play an essential role during early vertebrate embryogenesis. Genome‐wide mapping studies by ChIP‐seq and ChIP‐chip revealed that TFII‐I primes multiple genomic loci in mouse embryonic stem cells and embryonic tissues. Moreover, many TFII‐I‐bound regions co‐localize with H3K4me3/K27me3 bivalent chromatin within the promoters of lineage‐specific genes. This minireview provides a summary of current knowledge regarding the function of TFII‐I in epigenetic control of stem cell differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3056–3060, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dihedral Hamiltonian Cycle Systems of the Cocktail Party Graph
Authors: Buratti Marco , Merola Francesca
Published: May 2012

The existence problem for a Hamiltonian cycle decomposition of (the so called cocktail party graph) with a dihedral automorphism group acting sharply transitively on the vertices is completely solved. Such Hamiltonian cycle decompositions exist for all even n while, for n odd, they exist if and only if the following conditions hold: (i) n is not a prime power; (ii) there is a suitable ℓ such that (mod 2ℓ) for all prime factors p of n and the number of the prime factors (counted with their respective multiplicities) such that (mod ) is even. Thus in particular one has a dihedral Hamiltonian cycle decomposition of the cocktail party graph on 8k vertices for all k, while it is known that no such cyclic Hamiltonian cycle decomposition exists. Finally, this paper touches on a recently introduced symmetry requirement by proving that there exists a dihedral and symmetric Hamiltonian cycle system of if and only if (mod 4).
Evaluation of Two Enzyme Immunoassays for the Detection of the Cocaine Metabolite Benzoylecgonine in 1,398 Urine Specimens
Authors: Carney Sarah , Wolf Carl E. , Tarnai‐Moak Lisa , Poklis Alphonse
Published: May 2012

Background

Benzoylecgonine (BE) is the primary urinary metabolite of cocaine. Two enzyme immunoassays were evaluated for the detection of BEin urine with a 300 ng/ml cutoff: the DRI® Cocaine Metabolite Assay and Lin‐Zhi International's (LZ) Cocaine Metabolite Enzyme Immunoassay.

Methods

This study involved 1,398 urine specimens from criminal justice and pain management programs. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) data were obtained for presumptive positives, and for negative urine specimens yielding responses significantly above the negative control.

Results

Approximately 46% (644) of the specimens yielded positive results by DRI, and 47% (664) were positive by LZ. One specimen screened positive with both assays but was found to have a nondetectable BE concentration by GC/MS, indicating one false positive for each assay. Twenty‐one specimens yielding negative DRIresults contained BEabove 300 ng/ml, and 29 specimens yielded false negatives with the LZassay. Therefore, the overall agreement between both immunoassays and GC/MSresults was 98%. Assay sensitivity was 0.968 (DRI) and 0.958 (LZ); the selectivity for both assays was 0.999. Urine specimens containing cocaine, additional cocaine metabolites, and other drugs were also tested. No cross‐reactivity was observed.

Conclusion

Both the DRIand LZassays provide a precise, reliable method for the routine detection of BEin urine. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:130‐135, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Significant Association of Elevated Concentration of Plasma YKL‐40 with Disease Severity in Patients With Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Lee Shu‐Hsin , Lin Ching‐Yi , Wang Po‐Hui , Han Chih‐Ping , Yang Shun‐Fa , Chang Jinghua Tsai , Lee Meng‐Chih , Lin Long‐Yau , Lee Maw‐Sheng
Published: May 2012

Introduction

To date, no study reports the implication of YKL‐40 in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Therefore, we investigate the levels of plasma YKL‐40 in patients with PID and further associate its expression with the severity of disease.

Methods

We designed a hospital‐based case‐control study with approximate 1:1 ratio and consecutively recruited 64 patients with PID and 70 control women. We collected blood samples from 64 women with PID before and after they received treatment and 70 control women to detect levels of plasma YKL‐40 and C‐reactive protein (CRP) as well as white blood cell and neutrophil counts.

Results

The results revealed that levels of plasma YKL‐40 were significantly elevated in patients with PID as compared to those in controls (38.36 vs. 21.69 ng/ml, P = 0.001) but the significant difference was restricted to women aged 30 years or old after age stratification (56.75 vs. 23.61 ng/ml, P ≤ 0.001). It declined significantly after they received treatment (median: 38.36 vs. 27.54 ng/ml; P ≤ 0.001). Although both plasma YKL‐40 and CRP were elevated in patients with tubo‐ovarian abscess, PID patients with surgery exhibited higher YKL‐40 concentration than those without surgery (median: 82.05 vs. 30.19 ng/ml, P = 0.005) and only plasma YKL‐40 was significantly associated with the length of the hospital stay (P ≤ 0.001, R = 0.604).

Conclusion

We conclude that once individuals are diagnosed to have PID, YKL‐40 may act as a biomarker to predict the severity and clinical outcome of the disease. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:136‐142, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinically Insignificant Negative Interferences of Spironolactone, Potassium Canrenoate, and Their Common Metabolite Canrenone in New Dimension Vista LOCI Digoxin Immunoassay
Authors: Dasgupta Amitava , Johnson Myrtle J. , Sengupta Tamal K.
Published: May 2012

Spironolactone, a potassium‐sparing diuretic metabolized to canrenone is often used with digoxin to treat various conditions including congestive heart failure. Potassium canrenoate is a similar drug, which is also metabolized to canrenone. Due to reported both positive and negative interference of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone with digoxin immunoassays, we investigated potential interference of these compounds with the new homogenous sequential chemiluminescent assay for digoxin based on the luminescent oxygen channeling technology (LOCI digoxin) for application on the Dimension and Vista platform. When aliquots of a drug‐free serum pool were supplemented with various amounts of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, or canrenone and apparent digoxin values were measured using Dimension Vista LOCI digoxin assay, we observed no detected value except when aliquots were supplemented with very high amounts of potassium canrenoate or canrenone. However, we observed that apparent digoxin concentrations were very low. When aliquots of a serum digoxin pool (prepared by pooling specimens from patients receiving digoxin), were further supplemented with various amounts of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, or canrenone and serum digoxin concentrations were remeasured using the LOCIdigoxin assay, only statistically significant falsely lower digoxin values (negative interference) were observed in specimens containing very high amounts of canrenone or potassium canrenoate. However, such small bias may not have any clinical significance. We conclude that new Dimension Vista LOCI digoxin assay is virtually free from interferences of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:143‐147, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of Novel Low Molecular Weight Serum Peptidome Biomarkers for Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Yang Juan , Song Yong‐Chun , Song Tu‐Sheng , Hu Xiao‐Yan , Guo You‐Min , Li Zong‐Fang , Dang Cheng‐Xue , Huang Chen
Published: May 2012

Aim

To identify discriminating protein patterns in serum samples among non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and healthy controls. To discover specific low molecular weight (LMW) serum peptidome biomarkers and establish a diagnostic pattern for NSCLCby using proteomic technology.

Methods

We used magnetic bead‐based separation followed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) to identify patients with NSCLC, COPD, and pneumonia. A total of 154 serum samples were analyzed in this study, among which there were 60 serum samples from NSCLC patients, 30 from patients with other lung‐related diseases (16 pneumonia patients and 14 patients with COPD) as disease controls, and 64 from healthy volunteers as healthy control. The mass spectra, analyzed using ClinProTools software, distinguished between cancer patients and healthy individuals based on GA algorithm model.

Results

In this study, we generated numerous discriminating m/z peaks as well as disease‐specific discrimination peaks. A set of five potential biomarkers (m/z: 7,763.24, 1,012.61, 4,153.16, 1,450.55, and 2,878.89) could be used as the diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish NSCLCpatients from healthy controls. In the training set, patients with NSCLC could be identified with sensitivity of 97.5% and specificity of 98.8%. Similar results were obtained in the testing set, showing 80.7% sensitivity and 91.2% specificity.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that a combined application of magnetic beads with MALDI‐TOF MS technique was suitable for identification of serum biomarkers for NSCLC. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:148‐154, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxidative Status and DNA Damage in Chidren With Marasmic Malnutrition
Authors: Celik Maruf , Sermatov Kabil , Abuhandan Mahmut , Zeyrek Dost , Kocyigit Abdurrahim , Iscan Akin
Published: May 2012

Malnutrition as a lack of several substances containing antioxidants such as vitamins and micronutrients, while showing a predisposition for lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, is also characterized by a slowing down of the metabolic processes, which may then have protective properties against DNA damage due to a reduction in endogenous free radical production. This study aimed to examine the oxidative status and DNA damage in cases of marasmus. The study comprised 28 infants aged 6–24 months with marasmus only and 28 age‐matched healthy infants. DNA damage was examined by the alkali single cell electrophoresis method (Comet assay) on mononuclear leukocytes. The total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured by colormetric auto‐analyzer and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. The TOS, TAS, and OSI levels of the patient group were found to be significantly lower compared to the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage (P > 0.05). The findings of this study showed that in marasmus cases, the oxidative and antioxidative processes, which have a counteractive effect, decreased together. The other results of the study indicate that there is no increase in DNA damage in marasmus cases. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:161‐166, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin 20210G>A, MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C, and Homocysteinemia in Tunisian Blood Donors
Authors: Hadhri Samira , Rejab Mohamed Ben , Guedria Hajer , Ifa Lamia , Chatti Noureddine , Skouri Hadef
Published: May 2012

Specific genetic conditions are known to be associated with high risk of venous thromboembolism. This genetic basis varies widely between ethnic groups. We investigated the distribution of four inherited polymorphisms in 113 unselected Tunisian blood donors by using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. The allele frequencies of Factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin 20210G>A, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T, and MTHFR 1298A>C mutations were 3, 0.9, 30, and 31%, respectively. The MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism was influenced by age. Twenty‐nine of the 113 blood donors demonstrated more than one genetic markers. Hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 12 subjects, and it was statistically associated to the MTHFR 677TT genotype. Principal component analysis allowed disclosing the resemblance between Mediterranean populations. Our findings may be helpful for population genetics study, and provide epidemiologic database for further studies in thrombosis field among Tunisians. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:167‐173, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Spectrophotometric Method to Precisely Determine Endpoint Titers in Complement Fixation Assays
Authors: Welch Ryan J. , Merrigan Stephen D. , Delgado Julio C.
Published: May 2012

Since the early 20th century, complement fixation (CF) testing has been used to quantify the humoral response to various pathogens. The qualification of a positive result is based on a subjective determination of 30% lysis of sheep red blood cells, which can lead to variability in the analysis. A spectrophotometric reading of a standard with a known 30% lysis was used to standardize the currently used CF method and tested with controls and patient sera for various fungal assays. By utilizing this method a precise and non‐subjective determination of endpoint titers was achieved. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:190‐193, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photoactivation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells with diode laser: Effects and mechanisms of action
Authors: Giannelli Marco , Chellini Flaminia , Sassoli Chiara , Francini Fabio , Pini Alessandro , Squecco Roberta , Nosi Daniele , Bani Daniele , Zecchi‐Orlandini Sandra , Formigli Lucia
Published: May 2012

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising cell candidate in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Their proliferative potential can be increased by low‐level laser irradiation (LLLI), but the mechanisms involved remain to be clarified. With the aim of expanding the therapeutic application of LLLI to MSC therapy, in the present study we investigated the effects of 635 nm diode laser on mouse MSC proliferation and investigated the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, focusing the attention on the effects of laser irradiation on Notch‐1 signal activation and membrane ion channel modulation. It was found that MSC proliferation was significantly enhanced after laser irradiation, as judged by time lapse videomicroscopy and EdU incorporation. This phenomenon was associated with the up‐regulation and activation of Notch‐1 pathway, and with increased membrane conductance through voltage‐gated K+, BK and Kir, channels and T‐ and L‐type Ca2+ channels. We also showed that MSC proliferation was mainly dependent on Kir channel activity, on the basis that the cell growth and Notch‐1 up‐regulation were severely decreased by the pre‐treatment with the channel inhibitor Ba2+ (0.5 mM). Interestingly, the channel inhibition was also able to attenuate the stimulatory effects of diode laser on MSCs, thus providing novel evidence to expand our knowledge on the mechanisms of biostimulation after LLLI. In conclusions, our findings suggest that diode laser may be a valid approach for the preconditioning of MSCs in vitro prior cell transplantation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 172–181, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Stress During Handling, Seawater Acclimation, Confinement, and Induced Spawning on Plasma Ion Levels and Somatolactin‐Expressing Cells in Mature Female Liza ramada
Authors: KHALIL NOHA A. , HASHEM AMAL M. , IBRAHIM AMAL A. E. , MOUSA MOSTAFA A.
Published: May 2012

The present experiments were designed to determine the effect of different stress factors; handling, seawater acclimation, confinement, and induced spawning on plasma cortisol, hydro mineral balance as well as changes in size, number and integrated intensity of somatolactin (SL)‐expressing cells in Liza ramada mature females confined to fresh water ponds. The plasma levels of cortisol, PO43−, Na+, and K+ were higher, while Ca2+ and Mg2+ were lower than controls during transportation without anesthesia. By using clove oil (5 mg L−1) as an anesthetic during transportation, the plasma cortisol, PO43−, Na+, and K+ were similar to controls, while Ca2+ and Mg2+ were higher. During seawater acclimation, the plasma cortisol and minerals were significantly higher except Na+ which was lower than controls. In addition, during induction of spawning, the plasma levels of cortisol, PO43−, Na+, K+, and Mg2+ were significantly higher than controls. The SL‐producing cells are located in the pars intermedia (PI) bordering the neurohypophysis. The stress affected the number, size, and immunostaining of SL‐expressing cells. During seawater acclimation, the size and the integrated intensity of SL immunoreactivity were lower, but the number of these cells was higher than controls. Furthermore, the number, size, and the integrated intensity of SL immunoreactivity were significantly lower than controls during handling and after spawning, which was opposite to confinement. The response of SL‐expressing cells in PI in parallel with changes in cortisol and hydro mineral balance induced by stress support the possible role of SL in the adaptive response of fish to stress. J. Exp. Zool. 00A:1‐15, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nano‐flow multidimensional liquid chromatography platform integrated with combination of protein and peptide separation for proteome analysis
Authors: Xia Simin , Tao Dingyin , Yuan Huiming , Zhou Yuan , Liang Zhen , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: May 2012

An integrated multidimensional nano‐flow liquid chromatography platform with the combination of protein and peptide separation via online digestion by an immobilized enzymatic reactor was established, and successfully applied for proteome analysis. By this platform, proteins were first separated by a weak anion and weak cation mixed‐bed microcolumn under a series of salt steps, online digested by a trypsin immobilized enzymatic reactor, digests trapped and desalted by a C18 precolumn, separated by nano‐reversed phase liquid chromatography, and finally identified by electrospray ionization‐MS/MS. To evaluate the performance of such a platform, Escherichia coli whole cell lysate proteins were analyzed. Compared with the results obtained by shotgun approach, the identified protein number was increased by 6%, with the consumed time decreased from 38 to 14 h. We also compared with integrate platform based on micro‐HPLC, and the required sample amount was decreased to 8 μg. These results demonstrated that such an integrated approach would be an attractive alternative to commonly applied approaches for proteome research.
On the full list of finite‐valued solutions of the Euler‐Poisson equations having four first integrals
Authors: Belyaev A.
Published: May 2012

Only 13 general and partial solutions of the problem of a heavy rigid body's movement have been found from the discovery of the first one by Euler in 1758 till now. All these solutions are finite‐valued in the classical Euler and Poisson's variables except the one in the Hess case. In this paper the problem of finding the full list of the finite‐valued solutions is considered.
Sphere‐Like Fourth Generation Pseudo‐Dendrimers with a Hyperbranched Core
Authors: Lederer Albena , Hartmann Tobias , Komber Hartmut
Published: May 2012

A pseudo‐dendritic structure clear of linear units is obtained from a hyperbranched aliphatic–aromatic polyester core modified by a B‐protected AB2 monomer. The chosen sequence of reaction and deprotection steps yields four generations of pseudo‐dendrimers with either silyl‐ or OH‐terminal units. 1H and 13C NMR confirm the extent of modification and the degree of branching in the different generations. The influence of generation number, end group type, and degree of branching on the specific solution behavior of the pseudo‐dendrimers is investigated by size‐exclusion chromatography coupled to static light scattering and by intrinsic viscosity characterization. Apparent density and scaling parameters indicate increased compactness of the pseudo‐dendrimers with increasing generation number.
A new Beale–Kato–Majda criteria for the 3D magneto‐micropolar fluid equations in the Orlicz–Morrey space
Authors: Gala Sadek , Sawano Yoshihiro , Tanaka Hitoshi
Published: May 2012

In this work, we are interested in the study of regularity for the three‐dimensional magneto‐micropolar fluid equations in Orlicz–Morrey spaces. If the velocity field satisfies
urn:x-wiley:1704214:media:mma2535:mma2535-math-0001
or the gradient field of velocity satisfies
urn:x-wiley:1704214:media:mma2535:mma2535-math-0002
then we show that the solution remains smooth on [0,T]. In view of the embedding with 2 < p < 3 ∕ r and P > 1, we see that our result extends the result of Yuan and that of Gala. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Existence of positive radial solutions for a nonlinear elliptic problem in annulus domains
Authors: Deng Jian
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we study a nonlinear elliptic problem in an annulus domain. For which, the nonexistence of nontrivial solutions has been obtained by some authors in star‐shaped domain. Although we note that it may admit non‐trivial solutions if the domain is non‐star shaped. With the use of a variational method, we establish the existence of positive radial solutions in an annulus domain. On the basis of this, we also extend this result to the periodic problem of the corresponding degenerate parabolic problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational and qualitative aspects of motion of plane curves with a curvature adjusted tangential velocity
Authors: Ševčovič Daniel , Yazaki Shigetoshi
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we investigate a time‐dependent family of plane closed Jordan curves evolving in the normal direction with a velocity that is assumed to be a function of the curvature, tangential angle, and position vector of a curve. We follow the direct approach and analyze the system of governing PDEs for relevant geometric quantities. We focus on a class of the so‐called curvature adjusted tangential velocities for computation of the curvature driven flow of plane closed curves. Such a curvature adjusted tangential velocity depends on the modulus of the curvature and its curve average. Using the theory of abstract parabolic equations, we prove local existence, uniqueness, and continuation of classical solutions to the system of governing equations. We furthermore analyze geometric flows for which normal velocity may depend on global curve quantities such as the length, enclosed area, or total elastic energy of a curve. We also propose a stable numerical approximation scheme on the basis of the flowing finite volume method. Several computational examples of various nonlocal geometric flows are also presented in this paper. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved parallel MR imaging using a coefficient penalized regularization for GRAPPA reconstruction
Authors: Liu Wentao , Tang Xin , Ma Yajun , Gao Jia‐Hong
Published: May 2012

A novel coefficient penalized regularization method for generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) reconstruction is developed for improving MR image quality. In this method, the fitting coefficients of the source data are weighted with different penalty factors, which are highly dependent upon the relative displacements from the source data to the target data in k‐space. The imaging data from both phantom testing and in vivo MRI experiments demonstrate that the coefficient penalized regularization method in GRAPPA reconstruction is able to reduce noise amplification to a greater degree. Therefore, the method enhances the quality of images significantly when compared to the previous least squares and Tikhonov regularization methods. Magn Reson Med 69:1109–1114, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Explicit level‐set‐based topology optimization using an exact Heaviside function and consistent sensitivity analysis
Authors: van Dijk N.P. , Langelaar M. , van Keulen F.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a level‐set‐based topology optimization method based on numerically consistent sensitivity analysis. The proposed method uses a direct steepest‐descent update of the design variables in a level‐set method; the level‐set nodal values. An exact Heaviside formulation is used to relate the level‐set function to element densities. The level‐set function is not required to be a signed‐distance function, and reinitialization is not necessary. Using this approach, level‐set‐based topology optimization problems can be solved consistently and multiple constraints treated simultaneously.

The proposed method leads to more insight in the nature of level‐set‐based topology optimization problems. The level‐set‐based design parametrization can describe gray areas and numerical hinges. Consistency causes results to contain these numerical artifacts. We demonstrate that alternative parameterizations, level‐set‐based or density‐based regularization can be used to avoid artifacts in the final results.

The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using several benchmark problems. The capability to treat multiple constraints shows the potential of the method. Furthermore, due to the consistency, the optimizer can run into local minima; a fundamental difficulty of level‐set‐based topology optimization. More advanced optimization strategies and more efficient optimizers may increase the performance in the future. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly soluble polyamide–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane hybrid nanocomposites: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Gnanasekaran D. , Reddy B.S.R.
Published: May 2012

A method of preparing linear polyamide‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (PA‐POSS) hybrid nanocomposites in a reactor using thionyl chloride/triethylamine (TEA) as the activating agent was investigated. Soluble polyamic acid (PAA) having carboxylic acid end groups were first synthesized by condensation reaction of 2,2‐ bis(3,4‐dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) and 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]‐1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoropropane, (6FODA). The PAA was acylated by SOCl2/TEA and followed by the addition of different mole percentages of aminopropyl heptacyclopentyl POSS (AP‐POSS) and 3‐(trifluoromethyl) aniline to get the PA‐POSS hybrid nanocomposites. The chemical structure of PA‐POSS hybrid nanocomposites were investigated by ATR‐FTIR and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Thermal and morphological properties of PA‐POSS were influenced by changing the percentage of POSS and investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction and contact angle measurements. The PA‐POSS with hexafluoroisopropylidene and POSS groups have higher bulk density resulting in higher free volume and then increasing the solubility property. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers