bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Luminescence Imaging of NF‐κB Activity and Serum Cytokine Levels Predict Pain Sensitivities in a Rodent Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Bowles Robby D. , Mata Brian A. , Bell Richard D. , Mwangi Timothy K. , Huebner Janet L. , Kraus Virginia B. , Setton Lori A.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To investigate the relationship between NF‐κB activity, cytokine levels, and pain sensitivities in a rodent model of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

OA was induced in transgenic NF‐κB–luciferase reporter mice via intraarticular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). Using luminescence imaging we evaluated the temporal kinetics of NF‐κB activity and its relationship to the development of pain sensitivities and serum cytokine levels in this model.

Results

MIA induced a transient increase in joint‐related NF‐κB activity at early time points (day 3 after injection) and an associated biphasic pain response (mechanical allodynia). NF‐κB activity, serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1β, and IL‐10 levels accounted for ∼75% of the variability in pain‐related mechanical sensitivities in this model. Specifically, NF‐κB activity was strongly correlated with mechanical allodynia and serum IL‐6 levels in the inflammatory pain phase of this model (day 3), while serum IL‐1β was strongly correlated with pain sensitivities in the chronic pain phase of the model (day 28).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that NF‐κB activity, IL‐6, and IL‐1β may play distinct roles in pain sensitivity development in this model of arthritis and may distinguish the acute pain phase from the chronic pain phase. This study establishes luminescence imaging of NF‐κB activity as a novel imaging biomarker of pain sensitivities in this model of OA.
Brief Report: Does Medication Use or Disease Activity During Pregnancy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Bone Density in Their Prepubertal Offspring?
Authors: de Steenwinkel Florentien D. O. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. , Hazes Johanna M. W. , Dolhain Radboud J. E. M.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Prednisone use and active disease are associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Either or both of these factors may be inevitable during pregnancy in women with RA, but it is unknown whether they variables influence the BMD of the offspring. This study was undertaken to investigate whether medication use or disease activity during pregnancy in RA patients influences the BMD of their prepubertal offspring.

Methods

Mothers (n = 255) participated in a prospective cohort study of RA and pregnancy, and 108 children of these mothers (ages 5–10 years) were included in this followup study. Information on features known to influence BMD in children, i.e., calcium intake, physical activity, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level, sex, height, and weight, was collected. In addition, pre‐ and postnatal variables known to influence BMD, i.e., gestational age, maternal smoking, birth weight, postnatal rate of growth, and type of feeding, were recorded. Independent variables were prednisone use, sulfasalazine use, and RA disease activity during pregnancy.

Results

We found no association of BMD in the children with either prednisone use or RA disease activity during pregnancy, even after correcting for all known associated variables. Sulfasalazine use during pregnancy had a positive effect on the total‐body BMD of the offspring (difference in standard deviation score 0.53, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that neither medication use nor high RA disease activity during pregnancy is associated with decreased BMD in offspring at age ∼7 years. The maternal benefit of medication use for RA during pregnancy outweighs the effect on BMD in the offspring.
Ethanol production using a newly isolated Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain directly assimilating intact inulin with a high degree of polymerization
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Zhicheng , Dong Weifeng , Zhu Linghuan , Chen Xiaoyi , Li Xianzhen
Published: November 2013

An inulin‐degrading strain L610, which was competent to directly convert inulin into ethanol, was isolated and identified as a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae according to physiological and phylogenetic analysis. Ion chromatography results showed that isolate L610 could assimilate the intact inulin completely without acidic or enzymatic pretreatment in contrast to the previously reported strains of S. cerevisiae, which could only ferment the fructo‐oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization less than 15. Strain L610 yielded 37.2 g/L ethanol within 48 H at a shake flask level under the evaluated culture conditions (11% inulin, 0.4% yeast extract, and 0.05% MgSO4 at 30 °C and pH 6.0). The conversion efficiency of inulin‐type sugar to ethanol was 60% of the theoretical ethanol yield. Strain L610 produced 40.0 g/L of ethanol when directly fermented in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) powder suspension within 24 H, which was higher than the reported data, 28.9 g/L, produced by S. cerevisiae KCCM 50549.
MTHFR rs2274976 polymorphism is a risk marker for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the Brazilian population
Authors: de Aquino Sibele Nascimento , Hoshi Ryuichi , Bagordakis Elizabete , Pucciarelli Maria Giulia Rezende , Messetti Ana Camila , Moreira Helenara , Bufalino Andreia , Borges Andréa , Rangel Ana Lucia , Brito Luciano Abreu , Oliveira Swerts Mario Sergio , Martelli‐Junior Hercilio , Line Sergio R. , Graner Edgard , Reis Sílvia R.A. , Passos‐Bueno Maria Rita , Coletta Ricardo D.
Published: November 2013

Background

Polymorphisms within the MTHFR (rs2274976) and MTHFD1 (rs2236225) genes were previously associated with maternal susceptibility for having an offspring with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in the Brazilian population. However, as the genotypes of the patients with NSCL/P were not evaluated, it is not clear whether the effects are associated with maternal or offspring genotypes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of rs2274976 and rs2236225 in the pathogenesis of NSCL/P.

Methods

By using the TaqMan 5′‐exonuclease allelic discrimination assay, the present study genotyped the rs2274976 and rs2236225 polymorphisms in 147 case–parent trios, 181 isolated samples of NSCL/P and 478 healthy controls of the Brazilian population. Transmission disequilibrium test and structured case–control analysis based on the individual ancestry proportions were performed.

Results

The transmission disequilibrium test showed a significant overtransmission of the rs2274976 A allele (p = 0.004), but no preferential parent‐of‐origin transmission was detected. The structured case–control analysis supported those findings, revealing that the minor A allele of rs2274976 was significantly more frequent in NSCL/P group compared with control group (p = 0.001), yielding an odds ratio of 3.46 (95% confidence interval, 2.05–5.85). No association of rs2236225 polymorphism with NSCL/P was observed in both transmission disequilibrium test and case–control analysis.

Conclusion

The results of the study revealed that the presence of the rs2274976 A allele is a risk marker for the development of NSCL/P in the Brazilian population. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:30–35, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clustering in linear‐mixed models with a group fused lasso penalty
Authors: Heinzl Felix , Tutz Gerhard
Published: November 2013

A method is proposed that aims at identifying clusters of individuals that show similar patterns when observed repeatedly. We consider linear‐mixed models that are widely used for the modeling of longitudinal data. In contrast to the classical assumption of a normal distribution for the random effects a finite mixture of normal distributions is assumed. Typically, the number of mixture components is unknown and has to be chosen, ideally by data driven tools. For this purpose, an EM algorithm‐based approach is considered that uses a penalized normal mixture as random effects distribution. The penalty term shrinks the pairwise distances of cluster centers based on the group lasso and the fused lasso method. The effect is that individuals with similar time trends are merged into the same cluster. The strength of regularization is determined by one penalization parameter. For finding the optimal penalization parameter a new model choice criterion is proposed.
A model‐driven quantitative metabolomics analysis of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in E. coli K‐12 MG1655 that is biochemically and thermodynamically consistent
Authors: McCloskey Douglas , Gangoiti Jon A. , King Zachary A. , Naviaux Robert K. , Barshop Bruce A. , Palsson Bernhard O. , Feist Adam M.
Published: November 2013

The advent of model‐enabled workflows in systems biology allows for the integration of experimental data types with genome‐scale models to discover new features of biology. This work demonstrates such a workflow, aimed at establishing a metabolomics platform applied to study the differences in metabolomes between anaerobic and aerobic growth of Escherichia coli. Constraint‐based modeling was utilized to deduce a target list of compounds for downstream method development. An analytical and experimental methodology was developed and tailored to the compound chemistry and growth conditions of interest. This included the construction of a rapid sampling apparatus for use with anaerobic cultures. The resulting genome‐scale data sets for anaerobic and aerobic growth were validated by comparison to previous small‐scale studies comparing growth of E. coli under the same conditions. The metabolomics data were then integrated with the E. coli genome‐scale metabolic model (GEM) via a sensitivity analysis that utilized reaction thermodynamics to reconcile simulated growth rates and reaction directionalities. This analysis highlighted several optimal network usage inconsistencies, including the incorrect use of the beta‐oxidation pathway for synthesis of fatty acids. This analysis also identified enzyme promiscuity for the pykA gene, that is critical for anaerobic growth, and which has not been previously incorporated into metabolic models of E coli. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 803–815. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering Cytochrome‐Modified Silica Nanoparticles To Induce Programmed Cell Death
Authors: Huang Wen‐Yen , Davies Gemma‐Louise , Davis Jason J.
Published: November 2013

A low native membrane permeability and ineffective access to the cellular cytosol, together with aggressive proteolytic degradation, often severely hampers the practical application of any therapeutic protein or antibody. Through engineering the charging profile of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, cellular uptake and subsequent subcellular distribution can be controlled. We show herein that programmed cell death can subsequently be induced across a population of cancer cells with remarkable efficacy on conjugating a specific caspase‐cascade‐activating cytochrome to such cytosol‐accessing particles.
Depth and character of rock weathering across a basaltic‐hosted climosequence on Hawai‘i
Authors: Goodfellow Bradley W. , Chadwick Oliver A. , Hilley George E.
Published: November 2013

Using field observations and geochemical and digital terrain analyses, we describe the structure and thickness of the regolith across a climosequence on the island of Hawai‘i to gain insight into the relative roles of precipitation and the near‐surface hydrologic structure in determining weathering patterns. In the wet portion of the climosequence, where the long‐term water balance is positive, the regolith thickness reaches an observed maximum of ~40 m and appears limited by the geomorphic base‐level of the landscape. However, even within this thick regolith, distinct units of varying weathering intensity occur; the vertical ordering of which largely reflects differences in the initial permeability structure of the basalt flows rather than a systematic decrease in weathering intensity downwards from the ground surface. In the dry portion of the climosequence, where the long‐term water balance is negative, the regolith thickness is confined to ~1 m, is highly dependent on the inferred permeability structure of the basalt flows, and is independent of geomorphic base‐level. Weathering intensity also varies according to permeability structure and decreases in this thin regolith with distance beneath the ground surface. The abrupt change in regolith depth and character that coincides with the transition from net‐positive to net‐negative long‐term water balance implies that small changes in precipitation rates around a neutral water balance result in large changes in the distribution and depth of weathering. Together our observations indicate that the distribution and depth of weathering in basalts (and probably other lithologies) might be best understood by considering how precipitation interacts with the complicated near‐surface permeability structure over regolith‐forming timescales to weather rock in the vadose zone. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the use of loss‐on‐ignition techniques to quantify fluvial particulate organic carbon
Authors: Grove Magdalena K. , Bilotta Gary S.
Published: November 2013

The fluvial flux of carbon (C) from terrestrial to marine environments represents an important component of the global C‐cycle, which can transfer C from the atmosphere to sedimentary storage. Fluvial fluxes of C are also an essential resource for freshwater ecosystems, critical for habitat heterogeneity and function. As such it is crucial that we are able to quantify this flux accurately. However, at present there are a number of different techniques used to quantify concentrations of fluvial C, and these techniques vary in their accuracy. In this article, we compare particulate organic carbon (POC) measurements derived from two commonly‐used techniques; a simple combustion and loss‐on‐ignition (LOI) technique, and an oxidative–combustion and carbon dioxide (CO2) detection technique. The techniques were applied to water samples collected from 10 contrasting reference‐condition, temperate river ecosystems. The POC measurements derived from the LOI technique were up to 16 times higher (average four times higher), than those derived from the oxidative–combustion and CO2 detection technique. This difference was highly variable both across the different river ecosystems and within each river ecosystem over time, suggesting that there is no simple way of converting the mass measured by LOI to estimates of fluvial POC. It is suggested that the difference in POC measured by these two techniques is a consequence of: (1) the loss of inorganic carbon at LOI combustion temperatures of > 425 °C, (2) the potential during the LOI combustion stage to lose hygroscopic and intercrystalline water, not completely driven off by the drying stage at temperatures of < 150 °C, and (3) the variable C content of fluvial organic matter, meaning that the simple application of a fixed correction factor to values obtained from the LOI technique may not be appropriate. These findings suggest that oxidative–combustion and CO2 detection techniques are preferential for quantifying fluvial POC. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information Systems: Nationwide Database of Electric Rates to Become Available
Authors: Loomis David G. , Bowden Nicholas S.
Published: November 2013

In 2009, the US Department of Energy (DOE), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership, a public‐private consortium supporting open renewable and energy‐efficiency data, came together to sponsor the development of an open science and government data web platform, Open EI. One of Open EI's largest efforts is the United States Utility Rate Database (US URDB).
Development of serum parameters panels for the early detection of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Pengjun , Zou Meng , Wen Xinyu , Gu Feng , Li Juan , Liu Gaixia , Dong Jingxiao , Deng Xinxin , Gao Jing , Li Xiaolong , Jia Xingwang , Dong Zhennan , Chen Luonan , Wang Yong , Tian Yaping
Published: November 2013

Early detection of pancreatic cancer is promising for improving clinical outcome; however, no effective biomarker has yet been identified. Here, we detected 61 clinical serum parameters in 200 healthy controls (Ctrls), 163 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients and 109 benign pancreatitis patients (Benign) in the training group. A metropolis algorithm with Monte Carlo simulation was used for identifying parameter panels. Sera from 183 Ctrl, 129 PDAC and 95 Benign individuals were used for cross‐validation. Samples from 77 breast, 72 cervical, 101 colorectal, 138 gastric, 108 prostate and 132 lung cancer patients were collected for evaluating cancer selectivity. A panel consisting of carbohydrate antigen (CA)19‐9, albumin (ALB), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)−8 had the highest diagnostic value for discriminating between PDAC and Ctrl. The sensitivity (SN) was 99.39% for all‐stage, 96.10% for early‐stage and 98.80% for advanced‐stage PDAC at 90% specificity (SP). In the validation group, the sensitivities were 93.80, 93.10 and 94.40%, respectively, at 90% SP. This panel also identified 80.52% of the breast cancer, 66.67% cervical cancer, 86.14% colorectal cancer, 89.86% gastric cancer, 71.30% prostate cancer and 93.85% lung cancer samples as non‐PDAC. The panel consisting of CA19‐9, carbon dioxide, CRP and IL‐6 panel had the highest diagnostic value for discriminating between PDAC and Benign. The SN was 74.23% for all‐stage, 75.30% for early‐stage and 74.40% for advanced‐stage PDAC at 90% SP. In the validation group, the sensitivities were 72.10, 76.10 and 67.20%, respectively, at 90% SP. Our parameter panels may aid in the early detection of PDAC to improve clinical outcome.
Cyclophosphamide treatment induces rejection of established P815 mastocytoma by enhancing CD4 priming and intratumoral infiltration of P1E/H‐2Kd‐specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Rahir Gwendoline , Wathelet Nathalie , Hanoteau Aurélie , Henin Coralie , Oldenhove Guillaume , Galuppo Adrien , Lanaya Hanane , Colau Didier , Mackay Charles R. , Van den Eynde Benoit , Moser Muriel
Published: November 2013

There is increasing evidence that the effect of chemotherapy on tumor growth is not cell autonomous but relies on the immune system. The objective of this study was therefore to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the role of innate and adaptive immunity in chemotherapy‐induced tumor rejection. Treatment of DBA/2 mice bearing P815 mastocytoma with cyclophosphamide induced rejection and long‐term protection in a CD4‐ and CD8‐dependent manner. A population of inflammatory‐type dendritic cells was dramatically expanded in the lymph nodes of mice that rejected the tumor and correlated with CD4‐dependent infiltration, in tumor bed, of tumor‐specific CD8+ T lymphocytes. Our data point to a major role of CD4+ T cells in inducing chemokine expression in the tumor, provoking migration of tumor‐specific CXCR3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes. Importantly, the analysis of CD8+ T cells specific to P1A/H‐2Ld and P1E/H‐2Kd revealed that cyclophosphamide altered the P815‐specific CD8 T repertoire by amplifying the response specific to the mutated P1E antigen.
The photoisomerization of 11‐cis‐retinal protonated schiff base in gas phase: Insight from spin‐flip density functional theory
Authors: Zhou Panwang , Liu Jianyong , Han Keli , He Guozhong
Published: November 2013

This extensive theoretical study employed the spin‐flip density functional theory (SFDFT) method to investigate the photoisomerization of 11‐cis‐retinal protonated Schiff base (PSB11) and its minimal model tZt‐penta‐3,5‐dieniminium cation (PSB3). Our calculated results indicate that SFDFT can perform very well in describing the ground‐ and excited‐state geometries of PSB3 and PSB11. We located the conical intersection (CI) point and constructed the photoisomerization reaction path of PSB3 and PSB11 by using the SFDFT method. To further verify the SFDFT results, we computed the energy profiles along the constructed linearly interpolated internal coordinate (LIIC) pathways by using high‐level theoretical methods, such as the EOM‐CCSD, CR‐EOM‐CCSD(T), CASPT2, NEVPT2, and XMCQDPT2 methods. The SFDFT method predicts that the photoisomerization of PSB3 is barrierless, in accordance with previous complete‐active‐space self‐consistent‐field (CASSCF) results. However, an energy barrier is predicted along the LIIC pathways of PSB11. This finding is different from previous CASSCF results and may indicate that the photoisomerization of PSB11 in gas phase is similar to that in solution. However, the higher spin contamination of the SFDFT method in the vicinity of the CI point caused the located CI geometry to deviate from that of the real CI. In addition, the LIIC pathways are only approximations to the minimum energy path (MEP). Thus, further experimental and theoretical studies are needed to verify the existence of an energy barrier along the photoisomerization reaction path of PSB11 in gas phase. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New N‐substituted‐5‐arylidene‐thiazolidine‐2,4‐diones
Authors: Stana Anca , Tiperciuc Brînduşa , Duma Mihaela , Vlase Laurian , Crişan Ovidiu , Pîrnău Adrian , Oniga Ovidiu
Published: November 2013

A total of 17 new N‐substituted derivatives (2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j, 2k and 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h) of 5‐((2‐phenylthiazol‐4‐yl)methylene) thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione (2a) and 5‐(2,6‐dichloro‐ benzylidene)thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione (3a) were synthesized. The structural elucidation of the newly synthesized compounds was based on elemental analysis and spectroscopic data (MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR), and their antimicrobial activities were assessed in vitro against several strains of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and one fungal strain (Candida albicans) as growth inhibition diameter. Some of them showed modest to good antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Enterococcus fecalis bacterial strains, whereas almost all the compounds were inactive against Listeria monocytogenes. All of the synthesized compounds showed moderate to very good activity against C. albicans.
Silica Sulfuric Acid‐Catalyzed Five‐component Efficient Synthesis of Five‐Substituted Tetrahydropyridines
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐xiao , Wan Yu , Pang Li‐ling , Wang Hai‐ying , Zhao Ling‐ling , Wang Chao , Hang Shu Ying , Liu Gui Xiang , Chen Liang‐Feng , Wu Hui
Published: November 2013

A highly atom‐economic one‐pot synthesis of five‐substituted tetrahydropyridines via a five‐component condensation of two equivalents of aromatic aldehyde, two equivalents of aromatic aniline, and one equivalent of β‐keto ester catalyzed by silica sulfuric acid is reported. In this reaction, up to five new bonds and one new ring were formed in one pot with water as the only one by‐product.
Design, Docking, and Synthesis of Some New Pyrazoline and Pyranopyrazole Derivatives as Anti‐inflammatory Agents
Authors: Ismail Magda M. F. , Khalifa Nagy M. , Fahmy Hoda H. , Nossier Eman S. , Abdulla Mohamed M.
Published: November 2013

Design and synthesis of some novel pyrazoline and pyranopyrazole derivatives as potential anti‐inflammatory agents are described. Most of the compounds were tested for their anti‐inflammatory (in vitro and in vivo) and ulcerogenic activities. In all tested compounds, it was found that pyrazolines, 2a, and pyrazolopyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidine 9 are the potent anti‐inflammatory and selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor. All compounds are mainly in the safe level. Docking study of 2a and 9 revealed higher affinity for binding with the active site of COX‐2 enzyme like SC‐558, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor.
HOW THE EXTREME POOR COPE WITH CRISES: UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF ASSETS AND CONSUMPTION
Authors: Lawson David , Kasirye Ibrahim
Published: November 2013

This paper uses quantitative and qualitative panel household data, for the period 1992–2009, to model the coping mechanisms of households when faced with crises in Uganda. We find that socio‐economic determinants strongly influence coping mechanisms, with larger sized households being more likely to engage in the reduction of assets, and with households more likely to reduce food consumption when there is a drought and sell assets when faced with floods. Furthermore, being persistently poor and sick appear to result in disproportionately large reductions in assets over time—depleting a households asset base, and future coping mechanisms, of poorer households. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grb7 and Filamin‐a associate and are colocalized to cell membrane ruffles upon EGF stimulation
Authors: Paudyal Prakash , Shrestha Sanjay , Madanayake Thushara , Shuster Charles B. , Rohrschneider Larry R. , Rowland Aaron , Lyons Barbara A.
Published: November 2013

Grb7 is an adaptor molecule mediating signal transduction from multiple cell surface receptors to diverse downstream pathways. Grb7, along with Grb10 and Grb14, make up the Grb7 protein family. This protein family has been shown to be overexpressed in certain cancers and cancer cell lines. Grb7 and a receptor tyrosine kinase, ErbB2, are overexpressed in 20–30% of breast cancers. Grb7 overexpression has been linked to enhanced cell migration and metastasis, although the participants in these pathways have not been fully determined. In this study, we report the Grb7 protein interacts with Filamin‐a, an actin‐crosslinking component of the cell cytoskeleton. Additionally, we have demonstrated the interaction between Grb7 and Flna is specific to the RA‐PH domains of Grb7, and the immunoglobulin‐like repeat 16–19 domains of Flna. We demonstrate that full‐length Grb7 and Flna interact in the mammalian cellular environment, as well as in vitro. Immunofluorescent microscopy shows potential co‐localization of Grb7 and Flna in membrane ruffles upon epidermal growth factor stimulation. These studies are amongst the first to establish a clear connection between Grb7 signaling and cytoskeletal remodeling. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualization of the membrane engineering concept: evidence for the specific orientation of electroinserted antibodies and selective binding of target analytes
Authors: Kokla Anna , Blouchos Petros , Livaniou Evangelia , Zikos Christos , Kakabakos Sotiris E. , Petrou Panagiota S. , Kintzios Spyridon
Published: November 2013

Membrane engineering is a generic methodology for increasing the selectivity of a cell biosensor against a target molecule, by electroinserting target‐specific receptor‐like molecules on the cell surface. Previous studies have elucidated the biochemical aspects of the interaction between various analytes (including viruses) and their homologous membrane‐engineered cells. In the present study, purified anti‐biotin antibodies from a rabbit antiserum along with in‐house prepared biotinylated bovine serum albumin (BSA) were used as a model antibody‐antigen pair of molecules for facilitating membrane engineering experiments. It was proven, with the aid of fluorescence microscopy, that (i) membrane‐engineered cells incorporated the specific antibodies in the correct orientation and that (ii) the inserted antibodies are selectively interacting with the homologous target molecules. This is the first time the actual working concept of membrane engineering has been visualized, thus providing a final proof of the concept behind this innovative process. In addition, the fluorescence microscopy measurements were highly correlated with bioelectric measurements done with the aid of a bioelectric recognition assay. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human and yeast DNA damage recognition complexes bind with high affinity DNA structures mimicking in size transcription bubble
Authors: Krasikova Yuliya S. , Rechkunova Nadejda I. , Maltseva Ekaterina A. , Anarbaev Rashid O. , Pestryakov Pavel E. , Sugasawa Kaoru , Min Jung‐Hyun , Lavrik Olga I.
Published: November 2013

The human XPC‐RAD23B complex and its yeast ortholog, Rad4‐Rad23, are the primary initiators of global genome nucleotide excision repair. In this study, two types of DNA binding assays were used for the detailed analysis of interaction of these proteins with damaged DNA. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that human and yeast orthologs behave similarly in DNA binding. Quantitative analyses of XPC/Rad4 binding to the model DNA structures were performed using fluorescent depolarization measurements. The XPC‐RAD23B and the Rad4‐Rad23 proteins bind to the damaged 15 nt bubble‐DNA structure mimicking in size the “transcription bubble” DNA intermediate with the highest affinity (KD values ~10‐10 M or less) that is reduced in the following order: damaged bubble > undamaged bubble > damaged duplex > undamaged duplex. The affinity of XPC/Rad4 for various DNAs was shown to correlate with DNA bending angle. The results obtained show clearly that more deviation from regular DNA structure leads to higher XPC/Rad4 affinity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging material properties of biological samples with a force feedback microscope
Authors: Costa Luca , Rodrigues Mario S , Newman Emily , Zubieta Chloe , Chevrier Joёl , Comin Fabio
Published: November 2013

Mechanical properties of biological samples have been imaged with a force feedback microscope. Force, force gradient, and dissipation are measured simultaneously and quantitatively, merely knowing the atomic force microscopy cantilever spring constant. Our first results demonstrate that this robust method provides quantitative high resolution force measurements of the interaction. The small oscillation imposed on the cantilever and the small value of its stiffness result in vibrational energies much smaller than the thermal energy, reducing interaction with the sample to a minimum. We show that the observed mechanical properties of the sample depend on the force applied by the tip and consequently on the sample indentation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of RT‐PCR assay and virus isolation in cell culture for the detection of alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus
Authors: Madani Tariq A. , Abuelzein El‐Tayb M.E. , Azhar Esam I. , Al‐Bar Hussein M.S. , Abu‐Araki Huda , Ksiazek Thomas G.
Published: November 2013

Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) is an emerging flavivirus that was isolated originally from Saudi Arabia in 1994–1995. The main tests used for the detection of AHFV are the real time (rt) RT‐PCR and virus isolation in cell culture. In the present study the detection of AHFV by rtRT‐PCR was compared with virus isolation in BHK‐21, HEp‐2, and LLC‐MK2 cell lines. AHFV suspensions grown in BHK‐21, HEp‐2, and LLC‐MK2 cell lines were serially diluted 10‐fold from 10−1 to 10−11. Samples from each dilution were used to inoculate four cell culture tubes and were also examined by the rtRT‐PCR for AHFV RNA. Fifteen non‐inoculated cell culture samples (five from each cell line) were included blindly in both tests. Thus, a total of 132 AHFV‐positive and 15 negative control samples were tested. The rtRT‐PCR could detect the viral RNA in all diluted specimens up to and including the 10−10 dilution (40 specimens for each cell line), whereas, cell cultures were positive in 70% of specimens for BHK‐21, 65% for LLC‐MK2, and 45% for HEp‐2 at this dilution. None of the three cell cultures nor the rtRT‐PCR was positive at 10−11 dilution. The specificity and positive predictive values of virus isolation compared to rtRT‐PCR were each 100%, whereas the negative predictive values were 29.4% for BHK‐21, 26.3% for LLC‐MK2, and 18.5% for HEp‐2. In conclusion, the rtRT‐PCR is more sensitive than virus isolation for detecting AHFV. J. Med. Virol. 86:1176–1180, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The evolution of HIV‐1 group M genetic variability in Southern Cameroon is characterized by several emerging recombinant forms of CRF02_AG and viruses with drug resistance mutations
Authors: Agyingi Lucy , Mayr Luzia M. , Kinge Thompson , Orock George Enow , Ngai Johnson , Asaah Bladine , Mpoame Mbida , Hewlett Indira , Nyambi Phillipe
Published: November 2013

The HIV epidemic in Cameroon is marked by a broad genetic diversity dominated by circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). Studies performed more than a decade ago in urban settings of Southern Cameroon revealed a dominance of the CRF02_AG and clade A variants in >90% of the infected subjects; however, little is known about the evolving viral variants circulating in this region. To document circulating HIV viral diversity, four regions of the viral genome (gag, PR, reverse transcriptase, env) in 116 HIV‐1 positive individuals in Limbe, Southern Cameroon, were PCR‐amplified. Sequences obtained at the RT and protease regions were analyzed for mutations that conferred drug resistance using the Stanford Drug Resistance Database. The present study reveals a broad genetic diversity characterized by several unique recombinant forms (URF) accounting for 36% of infections, 48.6% of patients infected with CRF02_AG, and the emergence of CRF22_01A1 in 7.2% of patients. Three out of 15 (20%) treated patients and 13 out of 93 (13.9%) drug naïve patients harbor drug resistance mutations to RT inhibitors, while 3.2% of drug naïve patients harbor drug resistance mutations associated with protease inhibitors. The high proportion (13.9%) of drug resistance mutations among the drug naïve patients reveals the ongoing transmission of these viruses in this region of Cameroon and highlights the need for drug resistance testing before starting treatment for patients infected with HIV‐1. J. Med. Virol. 86:385–393, 2014. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Medical Virology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collaborative Competence: Redefining Management Education Through Social Construction
Authors: Gilbert Douglas J.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this article is to stimulate discussion and further research on the topic of a fundamental and wholesale change in management education across a variety of organizations. The proposed model for management education is focused on interpersonal relationships as core to all aspects of educating managers. The article's premise is that management education should evolve to a design based on management itself as a relational social practice. The emergent model developed in the article rests on a historical analysis of approaches that demonstrate a flawed focus on rationalistic concepts. A new model is grounded in collaborative competence, an approach to achieve results over and above the sum of individual contributions. Collaborative competence is designed based on social construction principles. The episodic criticisms of the value of management education demonstrate that the approaches to educating organizational managers remain lacking. Shifting the pivotal focus of management education from rational and technical notions to a focus on relationships first rooted in social construction provides an enabling framework for organizational performance. The change in focus also addresses the need to educate managers to act in more ethical and socially responsible ways.
Financing of Micro and Small Enterprises in China: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Chan Sow Hup , Lin Jason Jianxiong
Published: November 2013

The financing predicaments of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) — such as MSE owners requiring lower credit costs, longer loan repayment periods, monthly loan repayments, and more diverse security methods to reduce access barriers — suggest a need for financial inclusion of the unbanked and a future for the microfinance industry in China.
Laser ablation and cryotherapy of melanoma metastases
Authors: John Hannah E. , Mahaffey Peter J.
Published: November 2013

Both laser therapy and cryotherapy have been used with good results in the ablation of cutaneous melanoma metastases. There is less literature evidence in support of cryotherapy. Carbon dioxide laser therapy is a simple, low cost, patient‐friendly technique, effective for palliation of individual lesions. There is evidence of a more profound regional effect, with unexplained absences of recurrence at treated sites and reported complete remissions, which demands further investigation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:296–300. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term outcome following surgical treatment of sacral chordoma
Authors: Osaka Shunzo , Osaka Eiji , Kojima Toshio , Yoshida Yukihiro , Tokuhashi Yasuaki
Published: November 2013

Background

Sixteen sacral chordoma surgeries performed at a single institution during the 1983–2008 period were retrospectively studied. Our aim is to assess surgical treatment and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

Fifteen patients underwent primary wide excision, and one intralesional excision using ethanol for local control and radiation therapy (RT). A combined anteroposterior approach for large tumors above S2, and wide excision was performed with the modified threadwire‐saw (MT‐saw) after 1997.

Results

Fourteen of the 15 patients had wide margins, one a wide margin with contamination. The MT‐saw was facilitated sacral excision with wide margins. Eleven patients are alive for 5–28 years. Five patients died before 10 years, two patients experienced sepsis, and one of another disease. Two patients died of local recurrence (LR) and another of multiple metastases after intralesional excision and wide excision with contamination, respectively. LR and complications occurred 4 each of 11 patients with tumors ≥10 cm, neither with tumors <10 cm. The overall 5‐ and 10‐year survival rate with wide surgical margins was 13/16 (81.3%) and 8/13 (61.5%).

Conclusions

A combined anteroposterior approach for large tumors, and the MT‐saw facilitates sacral excision with wide margins. Wide excision is recommended for younger patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:184–188. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of histopathologic factors on pattern of metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Lanzer Martin , Gander Thomas , Kruse Astrid , Luebbers Heinz‐Theo , Reinisch Sabine
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Knowledge of histopathological factors, such as perineural invasion (PNI), extracapsular spread (ECS), angiolymphatic vessel invasion, and conglomerate lymph nodes, in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is important for appropriate treatment decisions. Given the availability of aggressive therapeutic options with known side effects and burdens for the patient, choosing the correct treatment option is vital.

Study Design

Retrospective patient database.

Methods

Using a retrospective database of patients treated over a 10‐year period, independent prognostic factors for disease‐free survival and overall survival were assessed. Univariate analysis was used to identify significant variables, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent prognostic factors.

Results

Between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2009, 291 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed to identify influence of histopathological factors on pattern of metastasis. PNI tends to set metastasis locoregional, both in ipsilateral and contralateral lymph nodes. Lymphangiosis eases the way toward ipsilateral lymph node metastasis. ECS spread and hemangiosis demonstrated a significantly higher risk of distant metastasis. With the occurrence of conglomerate lymph nodes, patient data demonstrated a highly significant accumulation of distant metastasis.

Conclusions

Patients with PNI and lymph vessel invasion tend toward locoregional lymph node metastasis on the ipsilateral side of the neck. In cases of PNI, the patient is at risk for a contralateral neck recurrence of the tumor. In patients with ECS, blood vessel invasion, or conglomerate disease, disseminated spread of the disease to distant locations is more likely and has a high negative impact on survival of the patient.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 124:E160–E166, 2014
Assessment of treatment efficacy and sebosuppressive effect of fractional radiofrequency microneedle on acne vulgaris
Authors: Lee Kyung Real , Lee Eo Gin , Lee Hee Jung , Yoon Moon Soo
Published: November 2013

Background and Objective

A minimally invasive fractional radiofrequency microneedle (FRM) device has been used in skin rejuvenation and acne scars, and a recent pilot study demonstrated the positive therapeutic effect on acne. We evaluated the efficacy of FRM device for acne vulgaris in Asians and conducted objective measurement to assess its effect on sebum production.

Patients and Methods

Twenty Korean patients with acne vulgaris received a single full‐face FRM treatment. Outcome assessments included standardized photography, physician's global assessment, patient's satisfaction scores, acne lesion count, and objective measurements of casual sebum level (CSL) and sebum excretion rate (SER). They were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, 8 weeks after the treatment.

Results

After a single FRM treatment, the CSL and the SER showed 30–60% and 70–80% reduction, respectively, at week 2 (P < 0.01), and remained below the baseline level until week 8. Physician's global improvement scores for acne severity and acne lesion count also revealed clinical improvement with maximum efficacy at week 2, but returned to the baseline in most patients by week 8. Patients' satisfaction scores (0–4) were above 2 on average, and adverse effects were minimal.

Conclusion

This prospective study demonstrated the sebosuppressive effect from a single FRM treatment, but its therapeutic efficacy in acne requires further evaluation. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:639–647, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Novel D‐π‐A Conjugated Polymer Chemosensor Based on Benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole for Highly Selective and Sensitive Recognition of Mercury (II) Ions
Authors: Li Duanqin , Li Hui , Liu Miaochang , Chen Jiuxi , Ding Jinchang , Huang Xiaobo , Wu Huayue
Published: November 2013

A novel‐donor‐π‐acceptor‐type conjugated polymer based on the benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole moiety and the fluorene group via an alkyne module is prepared by the the Sonogashira–Hagihara reaction. The polymer displays an absorption peak at a longer wavelength at 477 nm and shows orange fluorescence at 576 nm. The responsive optical properties of the polymer on various metal ions are investigated by fluorescence emission and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy measurements. Compared with other metal cations, Hg2+ shows the most pronounced UV–vis absorption and fluorescence response of the polymer. The visible color and the fluorescence color of the polymer sensor both disappear after addition of Hg2+, which can be easily detected by the naked eye. The results indicate this kind of polymer containing benzoselenadiazole units can be used as a highly selective and sensitive chemosensor for Hg2+ detection.

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Functionalization of Polypropylene by the Combination of Metallocene Catalysts and Reactive Comonomers
Authors: Chung T. C. Mike
Published: November 2013

This paper summarizes a functionalization approach that can prepare functional PP with desirable molecular structures, including functional groups, microstructures, high molecular weight, and narrow molecular weight and composition distributions. A newly‐developed catalysis technology with several designed “reactive” comonomers to circumvent the inevitable deactivation of the transition metal cationic active site by functional groups in the direct polymerization process has been applied. The reactive comonomers, containing organoborane, benzylic protons (ϕ‐CH3), and styrene moieties exhibit three essential properties, including (a) stability with the active site, (b) solubility in the polymerization media, and (c) versatility for interconversion to desirable functional groups under mild reaction conditions. With proper choice of metallocene catalysts, they resemble to high a‐olefin monomers and can be effectively incorporated into the PP structure. In addition to the interconversion of the incorporated reactive sites to the desirable functional groups in PP copolymers, some reactive sites have been also transformed into “living” radical or anionic initiators to initiate graft‐from polymerization of polar monomers to obtain PP graft copolymers.
Use of a clinical pathway to improve the acute management of vaso‐occlusive crisis pain in pediatric sickle cell disease
Authors: Ender Katherine L. , Krajewski Jennifer A. , Babineau John , Tresgallo Mary , Schechter William , Saroyan John M. , Kharbanda Anupam
Published: November 2013

Background

The most common, debilitating morbidity of sickle cell disease (SCD) is vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) pain. Although guidelines exist for its management, they are generally not well‐followed, and research in other pediatric diseases has shown that clinical pathways improve care. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a clinical pathway improves the acute management of sickle cell vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) pain in the pediatric emergency department (PED).

Procedure

Pain management practices were prospectively investigated before and after the initiation of a clinical pathway in the PED of an urban, tertiary care center with 50,000 ED visits per year and approximately 200 active sickle cell patients. The pathway included instructions for triage, monitoring, medication administration, and timing of assessments and interventions. Data were eligible from 35 pre‐pathway and 33 post‐pathway visits. Primary outcome was time interval to administration of first analgesic medication. Statistical analysis was by Student's t‐test, using natural‐log‐transformed data for outcomes with skewed distribution curves.

Results

Time interval to first analgesic improved from 74 to 42 minutes (P = 0.012) and to first opioid from 94 to 46 minutes (P = 0.013). The percentage of patients who received ketorolac increased from 57% to 82% (P = 0.03). Decrease in time interval to subsequent pain score assessment was not statistically significant (110 to 72 minutes (P = 0.07)), and change in pain score was not different (P = 0.25).

Conclusions

The use of a clinical pathway for sickle cell VOC in the PED can improve important aspects of pain management and merits further investigation and implementation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:693–696. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a child: A challenging diagnosis in pediatric oncology practice
Authors: Demir Hacı Ahmet , Bayhan Turan , Üner Ayşegül , Kurtulan Olcay , Karakuş Esra , Emir Suna , Özyörük Derya , Ceylaner Serdar
Published: November 2013

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma (CLL) is an extremely rare disease during childhood. We report a 16‐year‐old female who presented with lymphadenopathies and she was diagnosed as T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Her chemotherapy response was minimal and clinical findings were unusual. Therefore, her biopsy specimen was re‐examined and diagnosis was changed to CLL. Chemotherapy protocol including fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, rituximab was administrated and good response was observed. In our patient deletion at 1q21.2 region that includes aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) gene was detected via comparative genomic hybridization method. ARNT gene deletion may be a new mutation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia development. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:933–935. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.