bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical radiation exposure and risk of retinoblastoma resulting from new germline RB1 mutation
Authors: Bunin Greta R. , Felice Marc A. , Davidson William , Friedman Debra L. , Shields Carol L. , Maidment Andrew , O'Shea Michael , Nichols Kim E. , Leahey Ann , Dunkel Ira J. , Jubran Rima , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Schmidt Mary Lou , Weinstein Joanna L. , Goldman Stewart , Abramson David H. , Wilson Matthew W. , Gallie Brenda L. , Chan Helen S.L. , Shapiro Michael , Cnaan Avital , Ganguly Arupa , Meadows Anna T.
Published: July 2010

Although ionizing radiation induces germline mutations in animals, human studies of radiation‐exposed populations have not detected an effect. We conducted a case‐control study of sporadic bilateral retinoblastoma, which results from a new germline RB1 mutation, to investigate gonadal radiation exposure of parents from medical sources before their child's conception. Parents of 206 cases from nine North American institutions and 269 controls participated; fathers of 184 cases and 223 friend and relative controls and mothers of 204 cases and 260 controls provided information in telephone interviews on their medical radiation exposure. Cases provided DNA for RB1 mutation testing. Of common procedures, lower gastrointestinal (GI) series conferred the highest estimated dose to testes and ovaries. Paternal history of lower GI series was associated with increased risk of retinoblastoma in the child [matched odds ratio (OR) = 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–11.2, two‐sided p = 0.02], as was estimated total testicular dose from all procedures combined (OR for highest dose=3.9, 95% CI = 1.2–14.4, p = 0.02). Maternal history of lower GI series was also associated with increased risk (OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 2.8–20.7, p < 0.001) as was the estimated total dose (OR for highest dose = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.4–7.0, p = 0.005). The RB1 mutation spectrum in cases of exposed parents did not differ from that of other cases. Some animal and human data support our findings of an association of gonadal radiation exposure in men and women with new germline RB1 mutation detectable in their children, although bias, confounding, and/or chance may also explain the results.
Information security issues in higher education and institutional research
Authors: Custer William L.
Published: July 2010

Increasing security threats, new and old, to the data assets of higher education require mitigation through an institutional security program based on risk assessment and grounded in clear governance.
Multimodal imaging to study the morphochemistry of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Vogler Nadine , Meyer Tobias , Akimov Denis , Latka Ines , Krafft Christoph , Bendsoe Niels , Svanberg Katarina , Dietzek Benjamin , Popp Jürgen
Published: July 2010

Basal cell carcinoma is the most abundant malignant neoplasm in humans, the pathology of which is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of basal cells. Basal cell carcinoma can show a variety of different morphologies, which are based on different cellular biology. Furthermore, the carcinoma often grows invisibly to the eye imbedded in the surrounding skin. Therefore, in some cases its clinical detection is challenging. Thus, our work aims at establishing an unsupervised tissue classification method based on multimodal imaging and the application of chemometrics to discriminate basal cell carcinoma from non‐diseased tissue. A case study applying multimodal imaging to ex‐vivo sections of basal cell carcinoma is presented. In doing so, we apply a combination of various linear and non‐linear imaging modalities, i.e. fluorescence, Raman and second‐harmonic generation microscopy, to study the morphochemistry of basal cell carcinoma. The joint information content obtained by such multimodal approach in studying various aspects of the malignant tissue alterations associated with basal cell carcinoma is discussed. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication and biological evaluation of uniform extracellular matrix coatings on discontinuous photolithography generated micropallet arrays
Authors: Gunn Nicholas M. , Bachman Mark , Li Guann‐Pyng , Nelson Edward L.
Published: July 2010

The recent identification of rare cell populations within tissues that are associated with specific biological behaviors, for example, progenitor cells, has illuminated a limitation of current technologies to study such adherent cells directly from primary tissues. The micropallet array is a recently developed technology designed to address this limitation by virtue of its capacity to isolate and recover single adherent cells on individual micropallets. The capacity to apply this technology to primary tissues and cells with restricted growth characteristics, particularly adhesion requirements, is critically dependent on the capacity to generate functional extracellular matrix (ECM) coatings. The discontinuous nature of the micropallet array surface provides specific constraints on the processes for generating the desired ECM coatings that are necessary to achieve the full functional capacity of the micropallet array. We have developed strategies, reported herein, to generate functional coatings with various ECM protein components: fibronectin, EHS tumor basement membrane extract, collagen, and laminin‐5; confirmed by evaluation for rapid cellular adherence of four dissimilar cell types: fibroblast, breast epithelial, pancreatic epithelial, and myeloma. These findings are important for the dissemination and expanded use of micropallet arrays and similar microtechnologies requiring the integrated use of ECM protein coatings to promote cellular adherence. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Financing for development and the post Keynesian case for a new global reserve currency
Authors: Hudson David
Published: July 2010

In the context of the current financial crisis the article returns to the Keynes's plan for an international clearing house. In exploring the intellectual basis for Keynes's economics—namely uncertainty and liquidity preference—the article identifies the anti‐developmental characteristics of US dollar‐based international monetary system: (1) financial volatility and recurrent crises, (2) costly excessive international reserves, (3) the fundamental asymmetry of a system in which developing countries finance the US. Collectively these result in global deflationary tendencies which are caused less by a lack of liquidity than systemic inefficiencies. Keynes's plan for international monetary reform offers a solution to all of these problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is China turning Latin? China's balancing act between power and dependence in the lead up to global crisis
Authors: Fischer Andrew Martin
Published: July 2010

China's apparent escape from the external constraints of peripheral late industrialisation in the build up to the global economic crisis of 2007–2009 has been recent and remains tenuous. Before its spectacular trade surpluses of the 2000s, China's external accounts reflected many of these constraints. Even in the midst of the surplus surge, external vulnerabilities of a peripheral nature have persisted. Besides the issue of export dependence, which is the conventional focus of most crisis‐related studies on China, vulnerabilities have been more profoundly related to the dominance of foreign ownership in China's export sector and to the relatively subordinate position of this export sector within the massive rerouting of international production networks via China that followed the East Asian crisis, in large part led by Northern transnational corporations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between the piezoelectric properties and the structure of lead‐free KNN‐modified ceramics, studied by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Rubio‐Marcos F. , Bañares M. A. , Romero J. J. , Fernandez J. F.
Published: July 2010

The structure of (Li,Na,K)(Nb,Ta,Sb)O3 piezoelectric ceramics was thoroughly studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy for samples with different compositions and sintered for different times. A linear relationship is evidenced between the tetragonality ratio derived from XRD and the Raman shift. The Raman stretching modes are used to demonstrate the correlation of the structure and the piezoelectric properties of the materials, and to calculate the effective ionic displacement causing the piezoelectric polarization. The methodology proposed here offers invaluable insight into the nondestructive Raman analysis of perovskite structures based on the potassium sodium niobate systems, which are not amenable by studies of diffraction or other spectroscopic techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural study of Mg‐bearing sodosilicate glasses by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Trcera Nicolas , Rossano Stéphanie , Tarrida Martine
Published: July 2010

The presence of magnesium in glasses of geological, medical, and technological interests influences their physicochemical and durability properties. However, the understanding of the role of magnesium is dependent on the combined knowledge of the structural environment of magnesium in the glass or melt and of the silicate network connectivity of the studied systems. In this article, we present a Raman spectroscopic study of the network connectivity of 10 ternary silicate glasses in the system Na2OMgOSiO2 and one Mg‐free binary silicate glass Na2OSiO2. Results obtained at constant polymerization suggest the existence of various Qn units according to the nature of the modifying cation. As polymerization decreases for Na2OMgOαSiO2 glasses (labeled as NMSα with α decreasing from 10 to 2), the band associated with SiOSi bending in fully polymerized region disappears being gradually replaced by a band attributed to SiOSi bending in region containing mainly Q2 and Q3 species. For highly polymerized glasses (NMS10‐NMS4), the coexistence of these two bands suggests the presence of two interconnected networks. Concomitantly, the signal associated with Q3 species first increases. For a further decrease of the polymerization, the high wavenumber part of the signal associated with Q3 species decreases, while the intensity of the high wavenumber part of the band related to Q2 species increases. This result strongly suggests that magnesium charge‐balances preferentially Q2 species rather than Q3 species. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing water productivity on Vertisols: implications for environmental sustainability
Authors: Jiru Mintesinot , Van Ranst Eric
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: The availability and quality of irrigation water have become a serious concern because of global climate change and an increased competition for water by industry, domestic users and the environment. Therefore, exploring environmentally friendly water‐saving irrigation strategies is essential for achieving food and environmental security. In northern Ethiopia, where traditional furrow irrigation is widely practiced, water mismanagement and its undesirable environmental impact are rampant. A 2‐year field study was undertaken to compare the traditional irrigation management with surge and deficit irrigation practices on a Vertisol plot.

RESULT: Results have shown that surge and deficit irrigation practices increase water productivity by 62% and 58%, respectively, when compared to traditional management. The study also found out that these practices reduce the adverse environmental impacts (waterlogging and salinity) of traditional management by minimizing deep percolation and tail water losses. Total irrigation depth was reduced by 12% (for surge) and 27% (for deficit) when compared to traditional management.

CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the study concluded that surge and deficit irrigation technologies not only improve water productivity but also enhance environmental sustainability. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Dialectical behavior therapy as a precursor to PTSD treatment for suicidal and/or self‐injuring women with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Harned Melanie S. , Jackson Safia C. , Comtois Katherine A. , Linehan Marsha M.
Published: July 2010

This study examined the efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in reducing behaviors commonly used as exclusion criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. The sample included 51 suicidal and/or self‐injuring women with borderline personality disorder (BPD), 26 (51%) of whom met criteria for PTSD. BPD clients with and without PTSD were equally likely to eliminate the exclusionary behaviors during 1 year of DBT. By posttreatment, 50–68% of the BPD clients with PTSD would have been suitable candidates for PTSD treatment. Borderline personality disorder clients with PTSD who began treatment with a greater number of recent suicide attempts and more severe PTSD were significantly less likely to become eligible for PTSD treatment.
The impact of receiving an HIV diagnosis and cognitive processing on psychological distress and posttraumatic growth
Authors: Nightingale Vienna R. , Sher Tamara G. , Hansen Nathan B.
Published: July 2010

This study examined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a traumatic stressor, intrusive and deliberate cognitive processing, psychological distress, and posttraumatic growth. One‐hundred twelve participants completed interviews on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Criterion A, Rumination Scale‐Revised, Impact of Event Scale, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory; relationships were modeled using path analysis. Model 1 attempted to replicate prior empirical research, Model 2 attempted to empirically replicate part of the posttraumatic growth theoretical model, and Model 3 attempted to empirically replicate an integrated model of posttraumatic growth and traumatic stress theories. Model 3 had good fit with study data. Results suggest shared and separate pathways from traumatic stressor to psychological distress and posttraumatic growth, with pathways mediated by cognitive processing. Implications of findings are discussed.
Resonance energy transfer: Beyond the limits
Authors: Andrews D.L. , Curutchet C. , Scholes G.D.
Published: July 2010

In pursuit of a better understanding of how electronic excitation migrates within complex structures, the concept of resonance energy transfer is being extended and deployed in a wide range of applications. Utilizing knowledge of the quantum interactions that operate in natural photosynthetic systems, wide‐ranging molecular and solid‐state materials are explored in the cause of more efficient solar energy harvesting, while advances in theory are paving the way for the development and application of fundamentally new mechanisms. In this review, an introduction to the underlying processes that cause singlet‐singlet and triplet‐triplet energy transfer leads into a discussion of how a new conception of these fundamental processes has emerged over recent years. Illustrative examples relevant to laser science and photonics are described, including photosynthetic light‐harvesting, light‐activated sensors, processes of cooperative and accretive energy pooling and quantum cutting in rare earth‐doped crystals, and incoherent triplet‐triplet energy upconversion in molecular solutions.
Irradiation at 830 nm stimulates nitric oxide production and inhibits pro‐inflammatory cytokines in diabetic wounded fibroblast cells
Authors: Houreld Nicolette N. , Sekhejane Palesa R. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

Wound healing in diabetic patients remains a chief problem in the clinical setting and there is a strong need for the development of new, safe, reliable therapies. This study aimed to establish the effect of irradiating diabetic wounded fibroblast cells (WS1) in vitro on pro‐inflammatory cytokines and the production of nitric oxide (NO).

Materials and Methods

Normal, wounded and diabetic wounded WS1 cells were exposed to an 830 nm laser with 5 J/cm2 and incubated for a pre‐determined amount of time. Changes in cellular viability, proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by the Trypan blue assay, VisionBlue™ fluorescence assay and caspase 3/7 activity respectively. Changes in cytokines (interleukin—IL‐6, IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, TNF‐α) were determined by ELISA. NO was determined spectrophotometrically and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by immunofluorescent staining.

Results

Diabetic wounded WS1 cells showed no significant change in viability, a significant increase in proliferation at 24 and 48 hours (P<0.001 and P<0.01 respectively) and a decrease in apoptosis 24 hours post‐irradiation (P<0.01). TNF‐α levels were significantly decreased at both 1 and 24 hours (P<0.05), while IL‐1β was only decreased at 24 hours (P<0.05). There was no significant change in IL‐6. There was an increase in ROS and NO (P<0.01) 15 minutes post‐irradiation.

Conclusion

Results show that irradiation of diabetic wounded fibroblast cells at 830 nm with 5 J/cm2 has a positive effect on wound healing in vitro. There was a decrease in pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and TNF‐α) and irradiation stimulated the release of ROS and NO due to what appears to be direct photochemical processes. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:494–502, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Effect of Ga‐Al‐As laser irradiation on COX‐2 and cPLA2‐α expression in compressed human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Mayahara Kotoe , Yamaguchi Akikuni , Sakaguchi Masahito , Igarashi Yu , Shimizu Noriyoshi
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which has bone‐resorptive activity, is produced by human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in response to mechanical stress. We previously reported that low level laser (LLL) irradiation inhibited PGE2 production in PDL cells in response to mechanical stress; however, the mechanism underlying this inhibitory effect was unclear. Thus, we sought to determine the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of LLL on PGE2 production in compressed PDL cells.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A compressive force of 2.0 g/cm2 was applied for 24 hours to human PDL cells obtained from premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment. LLL irradiation (Ga‐Al‐As laser, 830 nm, 3.82 J/cm2) was applied 6 hours before, 1 hour before, and immediately after the application of compressive force. The mRNA expression of COX‐2 and cPLA2‐α was then examined by real‐time PCR.

Results

LLL irradiation significantly inhibited COX‐2 and cPLA2‐α mRNA expression, which was increased in response to the application of a compressive force. Moreover, LLL irradiation immediately after compression had the strongest inhibitory effect on the expression of these genes.

Conclusions

The inhibition of PGE2 production by LLL irradiation in compressed PDL cells may be due to the inhibition of COX‐2 and cPLA2‐α expression and is most pronounced immediately after the application of a compressive force. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:489–493, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Detailed analysis of reactive oxygen species induced by visible light in various cell types
Authors: Lavi Ronit , Shainberg Asher , Shneyvays Vladimir , Hochauser Elicheva , Isaac Ahuva , Zinman Tova , Friedmann Harry , Lubart Rachel
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

Light in the visible and near infrared region stimulates various cellular processes, and thus has been used for therapeutic purposes. One of the proposed mechanisms is based on cellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to illumination. In the present study, we followed visible light (VL)‐induced hydroxyl radicals in various cell types and cellular sites using the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin‐trapping technique.

Materials and Methods

Fibroblasts, sperm cells, cardiomyocytes, and skeletal muscle cells were irradiated with broadband (400–800 nm) VL. To detect ROS, the EPR spin‐trapping technique coupled with the spin‐traps 5,5‐dimethyl pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DMPO) or 5‐(diethoxyphosphoryl)‐5‐methyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DEPMPO) were used. To investigate the cellular sites of ROS formation, the cell‐permeable molecule, isopropanol, or the nonpermeable proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were introduced to the cells before irradiation. ROS production in mitochondria was measured using the fluorescent probe, MitoTracker Red (MTR).

Results and Conclusions

The concentration of .OH increased both with illumination time and with cell concentration, and decreased when N2was bubbled into the cell culture, suggesting that VL initiates a photochemical reaction via endogenous photosensitizers. VL was found to stimulate ROS generation both in membrane and cytoplasm. In addition, fluorescent measurments confirmed the mitochondria to be target for light–cell interaction. The findings support the hypothesis that ROS are generated in various cellular sites following light illumination. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:473–480, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Effect of laser therapy on DNA damage
Authors: Fonseca Adenilson S. , Moreira Thiago O. , Paixão Deise L. , Farias Fernanda M. , Guimarães Oscar R. , de Paoli Severo , Geller Mauro , de Paoli Flavia
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

Whereas the biostimulative effect on tissues using low intensity laser therapy for treating many diseases has been described, the photobiological basis and adverse effects are not well understood. The aim of this study, using experimental models, is to observe the combined effect of physical damage (laser) and a chemical agent (hydrogen peroxide) on Escherichia coli cultures and bacterial plasmids.

Materials and Methods

Survival of E. coli AB1157 (wild type) and BW9091 (xth−) cultures were used as an experimental model to assess the effect of agents on DNA, also agarose gel electrophoretic profile of bacterial plasmids for studying single and double strand breaks in DNA exposed to laser irradiation and in DNA pre‐exposed to laser and subsequently incubated with hydrogen peroxide.

Results

Data indicate low intensity laser: (i) did not alter the survival of E. coli cultures, (ii) pre‐exposure had a protective effect against lethal action of hydrogen peroxide on E. coli cultures, and (iii) did not alter the electrophoretic profile and action of hydrogen peroxide on plasmids. This suggests that low intensity therapeutic red laser doses at different emission modes induces sub‐lethal effects on E. coli wild type and exonuclease III mutant cultures inducing protective mechanisms against lethal action of hydrogen peroxide. Laser action on bacterial plasmids is related to lesions other than single or double DNA strands breaks.

Conclusions

This study shows a protective effect or DNA repair mechanism induction by pre‐exposure to low intensity red laser on the lethal action of oxidant agents and, therefore, laser therapy protocol should consider fluencies, wavelength and tissue conditions before beginning treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:481–488, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Collagen changes and realignment induced by low‐level laser therapy and low‐intensity ultrasound in the calcaneal tendon
Authors: Wood Viviane T. , Pinfildi Carlos E. , Neves Marco A.I. , Parizoto Nivaldo A. , Hochman Bernardo , Ferreira Lydia M.
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

The treatment of calcaneal tendon injuries requires long‐term rehabilitation. Ultrasound (US) and low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) are the most used and studied physical agents in the treatment of tendon injuries; however, only a few studies examined the effects of the combination of US and LLLT. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate which treatment (the exclusive or combined use of US and LLLT) most effectively contribute to tendon healing.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This was a controlled laboratory study with 50 rats whose Achilles tendon was injured by direct trauma. The rats were randomly divided into five groups and treated for 5 consecutive days, as follows: group 1 (control) received no treatment; group 2 was treated with US alone; group 3 was treated with LLLT alone; group 4 was treated first with US followed by LLLT; and group 5 was treated first with LLLT followed by US. On the sixth post‐injury day, the tendons were removed and examined by polarized light microscopy. The organization of collagen fibers was assessed by birefringence measurements. Picrosirius‐stained sections were examined for the presence of types I and III collagen.

Results

There was a significantly higher organization of collagen fibers in group 2 (US) than in the control group (P = 0.03). The amount of type I collagen found in groups 2 (US), 3 (LLLT), and 5 (LLLT + US) was significantly higher than that in the control group (P ≤ 0.01), but no significant differences were found between treatment groups. There were no differences in the amount of type III collagen between groups.

Conclusion

Ultrasound, LLLT, and the combined use of LLLT and US resulted in greater synthesis of type I collagen; US was also effective in increasing collagen organization in the early stages of the healing process. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:559–565, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Targeted increase in cerebral blood flow by transcranial near‐infrared laser irradiation
Authors: Uozumi Yoichi , Nawashiro Hiroshi , Sato Shunichi , Kawauchi Satoko , Shima Katsuji , Kikuchi Makoto
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

Brain function is highly dependent on cerebral blood flow (CBF). The precise mechanisms by which blood flow is controlled by NIR laser irradiation on the central nervous system (CNS) have not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the effect of 808 nm laser diode irradiation on CBF in mice.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

We examined the effect of NIR irradiation on CBF at three different power densities (0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 W/cm2) and directly measured nitric oxide (NO) in brain tissue during NIR laser irradiation using an amperometric NO‐selective electrode. We also examined the contribution of NO and a neurotransmitter, glutamate, to the regulation of CBF by using a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, Ng‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L‐NAME), and an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker, MK‐801, respectively. We examined the change in brain tissue temperature during NIR laser irradiation. We also investigated the protection effect of NIR laser irradiation on transient cerebral ischemia using transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) in mice.

Results

We showed that NIR laser irradiation (1.6 W/cm2 for 15–45 minutes) increased local CBF by 30% compared to that in control mice. NIR laser irradiation also induced a significant increase in cerebral NO concentration. In mice that received L‐NAME, NIR laser irradiation did not induce any increase in CBF. Mice administered MK‐801 showed an immediate increase but did not show a delayed additional increase in local CBF. The increase in brain tissue temperature induced by laser irradiation was estimated to be as low as 0.8°C at 1.6 W/cm2, indicating that the heating effect is not a main mechanism of the CBF increase in this condition. Pretreatment with NIR laser irradiation improved residual CBF and reduced the numbers of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that NIR laser irradiation is a promising experimental and therapeutic tool in the field of cerebral circulation research. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:566–576, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Low‐level laser therapy in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: A pilot study
Authors: Höfling Danilo B. , Chavantes Maria Cristina , Juliano Adriana G. , Cerri Giovanni G. , Romão Rossana , Yoshimura Elisabeth Mateus , Chammas Maria Cristina
Published: July 2010

Background and Objectives

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) remains the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism. There is currently no therapy that is capable of regenerating CAT‐damaged thyroid tissue. The objective of this study was to gauge the value of applying low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) in CAT patients based on both ultrasound studies (USs) and evaluations of thyroid function and thyroid autoantibodies.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Fifteen patients who had hypothyroidism caused by CAT and were undergoing levothyroxine (LT4) treatment were selected to participate in the study. Patients received 10 applications of LLLT (830 nm, output power 50 mW) in continuous mode, twice a week, using either the punctual technique (8 patients) or the sweep technique (7 patients), with fluence in the range of 38–108 J/cm2. USs were performed prior to and 30 days after LLLT. USs included a quantitative analysis of echogenicity through a gray‐scale computerized histogram index (EI). Following the second ultrasound (30 days after LLLT), LT4 was discontinued in all patients and, if required, reintroduced. Triiodothyronine, thyroxine (T4), free T4, thyrotropin, thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin (TgAb) antibodies levels were assessed before LLLT and then 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9 months after LT4 withdrawal.

Results

We noted all patients' reduced LT4 dosage needs, including 7 (47%) who did not require any LT4 through the 9‐month follow‐up. The LT4 dosage used pre‐LLLT (96 ± 22 µg/day) decreased in the 9th month of follow‐up (38 ± 23 µg/day; P < 0.0001). TPOAb levels also decreased (pre‐LLLT = 982 ± 530 U/ml, post‐LLLT = 579 ± 454 U/ml; P = 0.016). TgAb levels were not reduced, though we did observe a post‐LLLT increase in the EI (pre‐LLLT = 0.99 ± 0.09, post‐LLLT = 1.21 ± 0.19; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The preliminary results indicate that LLLT promotes the improvement of thyroid function, as patients experienced a decreased need for LT4, a reduction in TPOAb levels, and an increase in parenchymal echogenicity. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:589–596, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Varying ratios of wavelengths in dual wavelength LED photomodulation alters gene expression profiles in human skin fibroblasts
Authors: McDaniel D.H. , Weiss R.A. , Geronemus R.G. , Mazur C. , Wilson S. , Weiss M.A.
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

LED photomodulation has been shown to profoundly influence cellular behavior. A variety of parameters with LED photomodulation can alter cellular response in vitro. The effects of one visible and one infrared wavelength were evaluated to determine the optimal ratio to produce a net increase in dermal collagen by altering the ratio of total energy output of each wavelength. The ratio between the two wavelengths (590 and 870 nm) was shifted in 25% increments.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Human skin fibroblasts in culture were exposed to a 590/870 nm LED array with total combined energy density fixed at 4.0 mW/cm.. The ratio of 590/870 nm tested parameters were: 100/0%, 75/25%, 50/50%, 25/75%, and 0/100%. These ratios were delivered using pulsed duty cycle of exposure (250 milliseconds “on” time/100 milliseconds “off” time/100 pulses) for a total energy fluence of 0.1 J/cm.. Gene expression was examined using commercially available extra cellular matrix and adhesion molecule RT PCR Arrays (SA Biosciences, Fredrick, MD) at 24 hours post‐exposure.

Results

Different expression profiles were noticed for each of the ratios studied. Overall, there was an average (in an 80 gene array) of 6% expression difference in up or downregulation between the arrays. The greatest increase in collagen I and decrease in collagenase (MMP‐1) was observed with 75/25% ratio of 590/870 nm. The addition of increasing proportions of IR wavelengths causes alteration in gene expression profile. The ratios of the wavelengths caused variation in magnitude of expression.

Conclusions

Cell metabolism and gene expression can be altered by simultaneous exposure to multiple wavelengths of low energy light. Varying the ratios of specific wavelength intensity in both visible and near infrared light therapy can strongly influence resulting fibroblast gene expression patterns. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:540–545, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Effect of pulsing in low‐level light therapy
Authors: Hashmi Javad T. , Huang Ying‐Ying , Sharma Sulbha K. , Kurup Divya Balachandran , De Taboada Luis , Carroll James D. , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

Low level light (or laser) therapy (LLLT) is a rapidly growing modality used in physical therapy, chiropractic, sports medicine and increasingly in mainstream medicine. LLLT is used to increase wound healing and tissue regeneration, to relieve pain and inflammation, to prevent tissue death, to mitigate degeneration in many neurological indications. While some agreement has emerged on the best wavelengths of light and a range of acceptable dosages to be used (irradiance and fluence), there is no agreement on whether continuous wave or pulsed light is best and on what factors govern the pulse parameters to be chosen.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The published peer‐reviewed literature was reviewed between 1970 and 2010.

Results

The basic molecular and cellular mechanisms of LLLT are discussed. The type of pulsed light sources available and the parameters that govern their pulse structure are outlined. Studies that have compared continuous wave and pulsed light in both animals and patients are reviewed. Frequencies used in other pulsed modalities used in physical therapy and biomedicine are compared to those used in LLLT.

Conclusion

There is some evidence that pulsed light does have effects that are different from those of continuous wave light. However further work is needed to define these effects for different disease conditions and pulse structures. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:450–466, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Prophylactic low‐level light therapy for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids: A case series
Authors: Barolet Daniel , Boucher Annie
Published: July 2010

Background and Objectives

Hypertrophic and keloid scars result from alterations in the wound healing process. Treating abnormal scars remains an important challenge. The aim of this case series was to investigate the effectiveness of near infrared (NIR) light emitting diode (LED) treatment as a prophylactic method to alter the wound healing process in order to avoid or attenuate the formation of hypertrophic scars or keloids.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Three patients (age 27–57) of phototypes I–III with hypertrophic scars or keloids due to acne or surgery participated in this case series. Following scar revision by surgery or CO2 laser ablation on bilateral areas, one scar was treated daily by the patient at home with non‐thermal, non‐ablative NIR LED (805 nm at 30 mW/cm2) for 30 days. Efficacy assessments, conducted up to a year post‐treatment, included the Vancouver Scar scale (VSS), clinical global assessment of digital photographs, and quantitative profilometry analysis using PRIMOS. Safety was documented by adverse effects monitoring.

Results

Significant improvements on the NIR‐treated versus the control scar were seen in all efficacy measures. No significant treatment‐related adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

Possible mechanisms involved are inhibition of TGF‐βI expression. Further studies in larger group of patients are needed to evaluate this promising technique. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:597–601, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Removal of CSF pixels on brain MR perfusion images using first several images and Otsu's thresholding technique
Authors: Kao Yi‐Hsuan , Mu‐Huo Teng Michael , Zheng Wen‐Yan , Chang Feng‐Chi , Chen Yu‐Fen
Published: July 2010

Brain MR perfusion imaging is used to evaluate local perfusion in patients with cerebral vascular disease. Quantitative measurements on the hemodynamic parameters and volume of brain with abnormal perfusion provide an estimation of the severity of the brain perfusion defect. However, quantitative measurements of these focal cerebral hemodynamic parameters are limited by the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pixels. We noticed that the CSF has a higher signal than other tissue types on the first perfusion image, which is usually discarded in routine parametric image calculations. This signal difference, however, can be used to segment CSF pixels on the perfusion images. An image division was used to generate ratio images to compensate for spatially dependent signal variation caused by the inhomogeneity of excitation radiofrequency field. By applying an appropriate signal threshold to the ratio images, CSF pixels can be identified and removed from the parametric images. With the removal of CSF pixels, the volume of delayed‐perfusion brain parenchyma can be better visualized and the interference from the CSF can be avoided. The proposed technique is simple, fast, automatic, and effective, and no extra scanning is needed to use this technique. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The biodistribution of [153Gd]Gd‐labeled magnetic resonance contrast agents in a transgenic mouse model of renal failure differs greatly from control mice
Authors: Wadas Thaddeus J. , Sherman Christopher D. , Miner Jeffrey H. , Duncan James R. , Anderson Carolyn J.
Published: July 2010

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis occurs in renally impaired patients who have undergone contrast enhanced MR examination using intravenous gadolinium‐based contrast agents. The effect of impaired kidney function on the biodistribution of gadolinium‐based contrast agents was investigated using radiolabeled 153/Natgadolinium‐DOTA, 153/Natgadolinium‐DTPA, and 153/Natgadolinium‐DTPA‐BMA in a transgenic mouse model of renal impairment. Renally impaired animals had more activity associated with their tissues than did control mice, and this increase varied according to the radiotracer injected. For example, after 7 days, renally impaired animals that received 153/NatGd‐DOTA had 3‐fold (P < 0.037) more activity in their bone tissue, whereas renally impaired animals receiving 153/NatGd‐DTPA and 153/NatGd‐DTPA‐BMA had 8‐fold (P < 0.0001) and 24‐fold (P < 0.0001) more activity in their bone tissue, respectively. These findings demonstrate that renal impairment dramatically alters the tissue distribution of Gd3+ ions in vivo, which are likely a critical factor in the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strukturaufklärung im Methodenverbund
Authors: Riehle Ulrich , Carola Jessica
Published: July 2010

Um den analytischen Aufwand bei der Bestimmung von Nebenkomponenten einer Reaktionsmischung möglichst gering zu halten, empfiehlt es sich, schrittweise vorzugehen.
Mit Säulenschaltung gegen Matrixeffekte
Authors: Leinweber Felix Christian , Krempel Kurt , Schulz Günter
Published: July 2010

Bei der chromatographischen Restmonomerbestimmung in Polymeren ist die Reproduzierbarkeit eingeschränkt, wenn Polymere auf der analytischen Säule adsorbieren. Ein Trennsystem mit Vorsäule kann dies verhindern.
Oiling the cogs of innovation
Authors: Houlton Sarah
Published: July 2010

R & D outsourcing is becoming increasingly popular as companies learn to let go. It can be a risky business and good communication and agreements are key to success, as Sarah Houlton reports.
Wege zum Wachstum
Authors: Festel Gunter , Terzenbach Detlef
Published: July 2010

Für Start‐ups der weißen Biotechnologie gibt es bisher wenig Möglichkeiten, Wachstum zu finanzieren. Dabei ist der Bedarf an Kapital groß und wird weiter steigen.
Energiewirtschaft mit Silicium: Fakten und Perspektiven
Authors: Auner Norbert
Published: July 2010

Als Bindeglied zwischen Solarenergie und dezentraler Wasserstofferzeugung können bald perhalogenierte Polysilane fungieren – zugänglich aus Siliciumtetrahalogenid und Wasserstoff im Plasmareaktor. Das aus perhalogeniertem Polysilan erzeugte Silicium kann zu Modulen für die Photovoltaik verarbeitet werden und festes hydriertes Polysilan als permanenter Wasserstoffträger zum Einsatz kommen.
Selbststerilisierende Oberflächen
Authors: Tiller Joerg
Published: July 2010

Biologische Kontaminationen durch Mikroben sind nicht nur aus medizinischer und hygienischer Sicht ein Problem, sondern auch aus umwelttechnischen und ökonomischen Gründen. Auf der Suche nach Alternativkonzepten, die z. B. Beschichtungen mit toxischen Schwermetallen ersetzen, geht der Trend dahin, umweltverträgliche Biozide auf Ober‐ flächen so zu immobilisieren, dass sie Mikroben bei Kontakt töten.
Verein Ungarischer Chemiker feiert hundertjähriges Bestehen
Authors: Móra László , Liptay György , Vámo Éva
Published: July 2010

Im Juni 1907 verbanden sich ungarische Chemiker zu einem Verein. Damals wie heute will er die gesellschaftliche Stellung der Chemiker verbessern, das Berufsethos pflegen und den Chemieunterricht fördern.
Signale als Meilensteine
Authors: Busch Karl‐Heinz
Published: July 2010

Der große Wurf, er scheint gelungen, aus Rentnerhirn und Rentnerherz strömt lautre Weisheit gratis für die Jungen!
Die phantastische Chemie des Jules Verne
Authors: Bataille Xavier , Dupuy Lionel
Published: July 2010

Verne schöpfte aus seiner Einbildungskraft ebenso wie aus der Wissenschaft seiner Zeit.
Wem die Sanduhr schlägt
Authors: Gräfe Günter
Published: July 2010

Der Tag im Leben eines Chemikers vom ersten Gashahnenschrei über Filterkuchen und Retorten bis hin zum Brechweinstein.
Funktionelles Drucken mit anorganischen Halbleitern
Authors: Schneider Jörg J. , Engstler Jörg
Published: July 2010

Wie lassen sich kleinste Strukturen aus Silicium, Metallchalkogeniden oder Zinkoxid “in Serie” auf Oberflächen bannen? Die Anforderungen sind enorm: Die Substanzen sollen sich aus kondensierter Phase ortsselektiv abscheiden und bei relativ niedriger Temperatur sintern lassen.
Pittcon 2007: Ein Wiedersehen mit Chicago
Authors: Karst Uwe
Published: July 2010

Ein attraktives Programm mit HPLC/MS als einem Schwerpunkt lockte trotz des Winterwetters mehr Besucher als in den letzten Jahren zur Pittcon. Sie fand vom 25. Februar bis zum 2. März in der Metropole am Michigansee statt.
Neues Angebot von VAA und GDCh stößt auf starkes Interesse
Authors: Bengs Holger
Published: July 2010

Das Netzwerk an den Universitäten zwischen Kiel und Konstanz, zwischen Aachen und Dresden wächst von Woche zu Woche. Bis zum 20. März hatten sich bereits 150 Studenten für die neue Doppelmitgliedschaft für Studierende in der GDCh und im VAA eingetragen. Seit dem 1. Januar profitiert der akademische Nachwuchs von der Kooperation beider Organisationen – zu einem fairen Preis und ohne bürokratischen Aufwand.
Strukturierte Promotionsprogramme in der Chemie
Authors: Begitt Kurt
Published: July 2010

Eine gemeinsame Empfehlung von ADUC, KFC und GDCh
Schnelle LC für tricyclische Antidepressiva
Authors: Weß Carsten , Winkler Marcus
Published: July 2010

Säulenmaterialien mit Partikeldurchmessern unter 2 µm können die chromatographische Trennung beschleunigen, ohne dass die Präzision leidet. Dies erfordert allerdings die Optimierung sämtlicher Parameter.
Arbeiten in den Alpenländern
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: July 2010

Skifahren in Kitzbühel oder Wandern in Graubünden – Deutschlands südliche Nachbar‐länder Österreich und Schweiz sind Vielen eine Reise wert. Aber es muss nicht immer nur Urlaub sein: Für Chemiker lohnt sich auch bei der Stellensuche ein Blick über die Grenzen.
Automatic and Controlled Processes in Behavioural Control: Implications for Personality Psychology
Authors: Corr Philip J.
Published: July 2010

This paper highlights a number of unresolved theoretical issues that, it is argued, continue to impede the construction of a viable model of behavioural control in personality psychology. It is contended that, in order to integrate motivation, emotion, cognition and conscious experience within a coherent framework, two major issues need to be recognised: (a) the relationship between automatic (reflexive) and controlled (reflective) processing and (b) the lateness of controlled processing (including the generation of conscious awareness)—phenomenally, such processing seems to ‘control’ behaviour, but experimentally it can be shown to postdate the behaviour it represents. The implications of these two major issues are outlined, centred on the need to integrate theoretical perspectives within personality psychology, as well as the greater unification of personality psychology with general psychology. A model of behavioural control is sketched, formulated around the concept of the behavioural inhibition system (BIS), which accounts for: (a) why certain stimuli are extracted for controlled processing (i.e. those that are not ‘going to plan’, as detected by an error mechanism) and (b) the function of controlled processing (including conscious awareness) in terms of adjusting the cybernetic weights of automatic processes (which are always in control of immediate behaviour) which, then, influence future automatically controlled behaviour. The relevance of this model is illustrated in relation to a number of topics in personality psychology, as well related issues of free–will and difficult–to–control behaviours. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A different approach for the study of the crystallization kinetics in polymers. Key study: poly(ethylene terephthalate)/ SiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Papageorgiou George , Bikiaris Dimitrios N , Chrissafis Konstantinos
Published: July 2010

Polymer crystallization is complex and difficult to model, especially when it is non‐isothermal and even more so when describing cold crystallization. In most cases, two different processes occur, so‐called primary and secondary crystallization. In the literature, two assumptions are generally made. Firstly, the validity of the Avrami model is assumed a priori. Secondly, for calculations of the kinetic parameters and activation energy, data from a single differential scanning calorimetry scan at a given heating rate are used. The other popular model, that of Ozawa, is also based on similar assumptions. In the study reported here, a different approach was adopted, which uses multiple scans at various heating rates simultaneously. Here the experimental data of the non‐isothermal cold crystallization of an in situ‐prepared poly(ethylene terephthalate)/1% SiO2 nanocomposite were used. Data were analysed following both the ordinary procedure and the method proposed in this work. Findings showed that when the Avrami model is a priori supposed to hold and the data of different heating rates are analysed separately, results are not acceptable. The new approach involves calculation of the activation energy through use of the isoconversional methods of Ozawa–Flynn–Wall and Friedman over the whole range of the crystallization conversion. The reaction model f(a) was determined after the evaluation of 16 different models. The best fitting was achieved for the Prout–Tompkins model or for a mechanism involving two steps described by respective Avrami equations with different activation energies. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of modified polybutene‐1 by oxidation and limonene radical grafting using an Nd2O3‐assisted radical initiator system and its characterization
Authors: Nakatani Hisayuki , Ichizyu Tadashi , Miura Hiroyuki , Terano Minoru
Published: July 2010

Free radical graft polymerization has been used as a modification method to incorporate functional groups into polyolefins using a melt‐mixing process. In this work, modification of polybutene‐1 (PB) was performed by limonene radical graft polymerization using the Nd2O3/dicumyl peroxide (DCP) radical initiator system with various mixing ratios in air. The effects of the modification on the crystallization and tensile behavior were studied in detail. The modified PB samples had ketone and limonene groups. The contents of both the ketone and the limonene groups were highest in the modified PB prepared using Nd2O3/DCP (2/0.2 wt%/PB), and a conjugated diene group was found to be produced by a side‐reaction. Excess Nd2O3 lowered the limonene graft content in the modified PB. The rate of crystal phase transition (II → I) decreased with an increase of limonene content. The presence of a small amount of the ketone group increased the rate, and the modified PB having a small ketone content exhibited more ductility due to its higher crystal phase transition rate. It was found that there was an optimum mixing ratio of the Nd2O3/DCP initiator system for the modification. The ketone and the limonene groups affected the rate of the crystal phase transition and the tensile properties of the modified PB. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry