bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteoconductivity and biodegradation of synthetic bone substitutes with different tricalcium phosphate contents in rabbits
Authors: Yang Cheryl , Unursaikhan Otgonbayar , Lee Jung‐Seok , Jung Ui‐Won , Kim Chang‐Sung , Choi Seong‐Ho
Published: July 2013

Various synthetic bone substitutes have been developed to reconstruct the bony defects that clinicians often encounter during surgical procedures. Among various synthetic bone substitutes, calcium phosphate (Ca‐P) ceramics have been investigated because their composition and structure are similar to those of human bone. We evaluated the bone healing and biodegradation patterns of three types of Ca‐P ceramic particle with various hydroxyapatite (HA)/β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) weight ratio: pure β‐TCP, biphasic Ca‐P (BCP) with a HA/β‐TCP weight ratio of 60/40 (BCP 60/40), and BCP with an HA/β‐TCP weight ratio of 20/80 (BCP 20/80). Four 8‐mm‐diameter defects were created in ten rabbits. Three of the defects in each rabbit were separately and randomly filled with one of the three experimental Ca‐P ceramic particles, and the fourth was filled with blood clots (control). The specimens were harvested at 2 and 8 weeks post‐surgery. The histologic and histometric findings revealed that the augmented space and new bone formation were significantly better for all three Ca‐P ceramics than for the control group at both 2 and 8 weeks (p< 0.05). Compared to the pure β‐TCP, the two BCP groups were found to provide a larger amount of newly formed bone and bone density at the 2‐ and 8‐week post‐operative periods (p< 0.05). Throughout the observation period, BCP 60/40 and BCP 20/80 exhibited a similar bone healing and biodegradation patterns with regard to both individual particles and the total augmented areain vivo. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 80–88, 2014.
On the potential of hydrated storage for naturally derived ECMs and associated effects on mechanical and cellular performance
Authors: Davis L. M. , Callanan A. , Carroll G. T. , Doyle B. J. , Walsh M. T. , McGloughlin T. M.
Published: July 2013

Tissue engineered acellular vascular grafts are an emerging concept in the development of vascular prostheses for the minimally invasive treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds, such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and urinary bladder matrix (UBM), offer many advantages over currently available synthetic devices. However, storage of such biomaterials can unduly influence the scaffold properties. This study evaluated the effects of up to 16 weeks hydrated storage on the mechanical and cellular performance of stented and unstented tubular scaffolds. This study aimed to demonstrate the viability, mechanical integrity, and bioactive potential of xenogeneic ECMs as potential off‐the‐shelf vascular prosthetic devices. Rehydrated ECM samples versus the lyophilized controls showed an increase in UTS and stiffness. The mechanical strength of all samples evaluated was above the average reported aortic tissue failure strength and more compliant than current synthetic materials employed. Post‐storage cellular bioactivity investigations indicated that both ECM scaffolds tested were unaffected by increased hydrated storage duration when compared with the controls. Overall, the results indicate that the biomechanical and biologic properties of ECMs are not negatively affected by long‐term hydrated storage. Therefore, with further investigations, naturally derived ECM materials may offer potential as an off‐the‐shelf therapeutic treatment of cardiovascular diseases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 89–97, 2014.
Comparative study of mesenchymal stem cells osteogenic differentiation on low‐temperature biomineralized nanocrystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite and sintered hydroxyapatite
Authors: Hesaraki Saeed , Nazarian Hamid , Pourbaghi‐Masouleh Milad , Borhan Shokoufeh
Published: July 2013

Hydroxyapatite with different characteristics in terms of morphology and chemistry were prepared via conventional sintering and low temperature biomimetic mineralization methods. The biomineralization route introduced nanocrystalline carbonate‐substituted hydroxyapatite (n‐CHA) with needle‐like crystals ranging 20–30 nm whereas sintered HA (S‐HA) comprised of polygonal grains ranging 2–5 μm. The response of fibroblastic cells was investigated using the extract of the samples whereas Wistar rat‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were evaluated on top of each sample while maintaining in an osteogenic‐free medium. The proliferation, activity, and morphology of adherent MSCs were determined at different culturing periods. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was also assayed by determining expression of runx2, osteonectin, osteopontin, and osteocalcin genes using real time‐PCR analysis. The fibroblastic cells exhibited better proliferation rate at the presence ofn‐CHA compared to S‐HA. Furthermore, the MSCs attached and spread well on bothn‐CHA and S‐HA with better proliferation rate and alkaline phosphatase activity onn‐CHA. Interestingly, the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs onn‐CHA was confirmed by the expression of bone specific proteins whereas poor expression of these proteins was detected for the cells on S‐HA. The results showed that the role of morphology, crystallinity, and chemistry of hydroxyapatite is crucial for osteogenesis differentiation of MSCs. The results predict osteoinductivity ofn‐CHA, because MSCs differentiation occurred at the absence of osteogenic medium. However, in vivo data are also required to support this suggestion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 108–118, 2014.
Effects of crosslinked dextran in hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose on soft tissue augmentation in rats
Authors: Cena Rohani B. , Park Jun‐Gyu , Kim Hyun‐Jeong , Son Kyu‐Yeol , Kim Deok‐Song , Kang Mun‐Il , Park Sang‐Ik , Moon Du Geon , Yang Dae Yul , Yu Dong Soo , Lee Jae Il , Cho Kyoung‐Oh
Published: July 2013

This study compared crosslinked dextrans in hydroxylpropyl methycellulose (DiHMs, pH 5 or 7) with polymethylmethacrylate in bovine collagen (PMMA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers on soft tissue augmentation and safety in rats. HA tended to maintain its size throughout the experimental period but was moveable and friable because of a lack of thick fibroconnective tissue formation. Although, PMMA induced moderately thick fibroconnective tissue formation, its size was decreased markedly from 3‐week postimplantation (PI) and became the smallest at 24‐month PI. DiHM (pH 7) elicited strong fibrous encapsulation around the filler. Its size decreased slowly but was still considerably maintained at 24‐month PI. In contrast, the rate of the DiHM (pH 5) size decrease was slower than that of PMMA, faster DiHM (pH 7), but comparable to HA. Immunohistochemically, types I and III collagens were deposited inside and outside DiHMs (pH 5 and 7). DiHMs (pH 5 and 7), PMMA, and HA showed no adverse reactions. These results suggest that DiHM (pH 7) assures efficacy and safety and is a good candidate for soft tissue augmentation in both humans and animals. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 131–140, 2014.
Inhibition of miR-92a Enhances Fracture Healing via Promoting Angiogenesis in a Model of Stabilized Fracture in Young Mice
Authors: Murata Koichi , Ito Hiromu , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Koji , Fukuda Akinobu , Yoshikawa Junsuke , Furu Moritoshi , Ishikawa Masahiro , Shibuya Hideyuki , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: July 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs regulating the activities of target mRNAs and cellular processes. Although no miRNA has been reported to play an important role in the regulation of fracture healing, several miRNAs control key elements in tissue repair processes such as inflammation, hypoxia response, angiogenesis, stem cell differentiation, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis. We compared the plasma concentrations of 134 miRNAs in 4 patients with trochanteric fractures and 4 healthy controls (HCs), and the levels of six miRNAs were dysregulated. Among these miRNAs, miR-92a levels were significantly decreased 24 hours after fracture, compared to HCs. In patients with a trochanteric fracture or a lumbar compression fracture, the plasma concentrations of miR-92a were lower on days 7 and 14, but had recovered on day 21 after the surgery or injury. To determine whether systemic downregulation of miR-92a can modulate fracture healing, we administered antimir-92a, designed using locked nucleic acid technology to inhibit miR-92a, to mice with a femoral fracture. Systemic administration of antimir-92a twice a week increased the callus volume and enhanced fracture healing. Enhancement of fracture healing was also observed after local administration of antimir-92a. Neovascularization was increased in mice treated with antimir-92a. These results suggest that plasma miR-92a plays a crucial role in bone fracture healing in human and that inhibition of miR-92a enhances fracture healing through angiogenesis and has therapeutic potential for bone repair. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Protective Effects of Dietary Carotenoids on Risk of Hip Fracture in Men: The Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Dai Zhaoli , Wang Renwei , Ang Li-Wei , Low Yen-Ling , Yuan Jian-Min , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: July 2013

Experimental and epidemiologic data suggest that carotenoids in vegetables and fruits may benefit bone health due to their antioxidant properties. The relationship between dietary total and specific carotenoids, as well as vegetables and fruits, and risk of hip fracture was examined among Chinese in Singapore. We used data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort of 63,257 men and women who were of ages 45 to 74 years between 1993 and 1998. At recruitment, subjects were interviewed on lifestyle factors and medical history. Usual diet was measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. During a mean follow-up of 9.9 years, we identified 1630 hip fracture incident cases. Among men, consumption of vegetables was associated with lower hip fracture risk. Similarly, dietary total carotenoids and specific carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein/zeaxanthin were inversely associated with hip fracture risk. Compared to men in the lowest quartile of nutrient density, men in the highest quartile had statistically significant 26% to 39% risk reduction (all p for trend <0.05). When stratified by body mass index (BMI), the greatest protective effects of total vegetables and carotenoids were found in men with BMI <20 kg/m2 (p for trend ≤0.004). There was no association between dietary carotenoids or vegetables/fruits and hip fracture risk among women. This study suggests that adequate intake of vegetables may reduce risk of osteoporotic fractures among elderly men and that the antioxidant effects of carotenoids may counteract the mechanism of osteoporosis related to leanness. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
In Healthy Adults, Biological Activity of Vitamin D, as Assessed by Serum PTH, Is Largely Independent of DBP Concentrations
Authors: Dastani Zari , Berger Claudie , Langsetmo Lisa , Fu Lei , Wong Betty YL , Malik Suneil , Goltzman David , Cole David E , Richards J Brent
Published: July 2013

Vitamin D insufficiency, as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels, has been associated with important health outcomes. The majority of vitamin D in circulation is bound to vitamin D–binding protein (DBP) and albumin, and recent genetic studies have demonstrated that serum DBP is a major determinant of 25(OH)D concentrations in adults. The impact of circulating DBP levels on vitamin D's biologic action, is unclear, but is of particular relevance to vitamin D epidemiology, because a lack of control for DBP levels could strongly influence the association of vitamin D with disease. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels can act as a biological readout of 25(OH)D activity. We therefore assessed the relationship between serum total and free 25(OH)D and PTH with and without adjusting for DBP, in 2073 subjects of European descent. Total 25(OH)D levels correlated positively (r = 0.19, p = 1.8 × 10−17) with DBP, whereas the free 25(OH)D correlated negatively (r = −0.14, p = 5.0 × 10−12). Total and free 25(OH)D levels correlated negatively with PTH (r = −0.29, p = 1.3 × 10−39; r = −0.26, p = 1.9 × 10−33, respectively). Including age, body mass index (BMI), sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, calcium, and season of blood draw as covariates, total 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with log-transformed PTH (lnPTH) levels (linear term: β = −0.010, p < 0.0001, squared term: β = 0.00004, p < 0.0001) and this association was not changed by adjusting for DBP. These findings provide evidence that in a largely vitamin D–sufficient cohort, the biological effect of vitamin D on PTH levels is mainly independent of DBP concentration. Accordingly, this study may provide useful information for studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D, DBP, and disease. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The U5 snRNA internal loop 1 is a platform for Brr2, Snu114 and Prp8 protein binding during U5 snRNP assembly
Authors: Nancollis Verity , Ruckshanthi Jayalath P.D. , Frazer Lily Novak , O'Keefe Raymond T.
Published: July 2013

The U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) forms the heart of the spliceosome which is required for intron removal from pre‐mRNA. The proteins Prp8, Snu114 and Brr2 all assemble with the U5 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) to produce the U5 snRNP. Successful assembly of the U5 snRNP, then incorporation of this snRNP into the U4/U6.U5 tri‐snRNP and the spliceosome, is essential for producing an active spliceosome. We have investigated the requirements for Prp8, Snu114 and Brr2 association with the U5 snRNA to form the U5 snRNP in yeast. Mutations were constructed in the highly conserved loop 1 and internal loop 1 (IL1) of the U5 snRNA and their function assessed in vivo. The influence of these U5 mutations on association of Prp8, Snu114 and Brr2 with the U5 snRNA were then determined. U5 snRNA loop 1 and both sides of IL1 in U5 were important for association of Prp8, Snu114 and Brr2 with the U5 snRNA. Mutations in the 3′ side of U5 IL1 resulted in the greatest reduction of Prp8, Snu114 and Brr2 association with the U5 snRNA. Genetic screening of brr2 and U5 snRNA mutants revealed synthetic lethal interactions between alleles in Brr2 and the 3′ side of U5 snRNA IL1 which reflects reduced association between Brr2 and U5 IL1. We propose that the U5 snRNA IL1 is a platform for protein binding and is required for Prp8, Brr2 and Snu114 association with the U5 snRNA to form the U5 snRNP. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2770–2784, 2013. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Imaging of extraradicular biofilm using combined scanning electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy
Authors: Wang Juan , Chen Wu , Jiang Yuntao , Liang Jingping
Published: July 2013

Microorganisms are able to survive and induce persistent infection in extraradicular areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between extraradicular biofilm and persistent periapical periodontitis. Thirty‐five apical samples with different stages of pulp and periapical pathology (vital pulp, pulp necrosis without radiographically visible periapical lesions, chronic periapical periodontitis that had not received root canal therapy and persistent periapical periodontitis) were initially evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The same samples were then processed using Brown and Brenn‐modified Gram staining. We detected extraradicular biofilm in all samples with persistent periapical periodontitis and in three samples with chronic periapical periodontitis. The extraradicular bacteria predominantly had rod and filament morphology and were surrounded by varying amounts of amorphous extracellular material. The surfaces outside the root of the apical samples with vital pulp and pulp necrosis were covered by fibers, and no extraradicular microorganisms were present, which suggests that extraradicular biofilm is closely associated with failed endodontic treatments, thus resulting in persistent infection. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:979–983, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrastructural characteristics of the spermatogenesis during the four phases of the annual reproductive cycle of the black myotis bat, Myotis nigricans (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Beguelini Mateus R. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Morielle‐Versute Eliana
Published: July 2013

Myotis nigricans is an endemic species of vespertilionid bat, from the Neotropical region, that resembles temperate zone bats in their reproductive cycle; presenting an annual reproductive cycle with two periods of testicular regression, which are not linked to the apoptotic process and seems to be not directly linked to any seasonal abiotic variation. Thus, this study aimed to ultrastructurally evaluate their reproductive cycle. The process of testicular regression could be divided into four periods: active; regressing; regressed and recrudescence; with all presenting distinct characteristics. The active period was similar to that of other bats, presenting the complete occurrence of spermatogenesis, with three main types of spermatogonia (Ad, Ap, and B) and 12 steps in spermatid differentiation; however, it differed in having the outer dense fibers 1, 5, 6, and 9 larger than the others. These three types of spermatogonia undergo considerable morphologic changes from regressing to the regressed period, and in the recrudescence, they return to the basic morphology, which reactivates spermatogenesis. In conclusion, our study described the process of spermatogenesis, the ultrastructure of the spermatozoa and the distinct morphologic variations in the ultrastructure of the testicular cells of M. nigricans during the four different periods of its annual reproductive cycle. Microsc. Res. Tech., 76:1035–1049, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding shock dynamics in the inner heliosphere with modeling and type II radio data: A statistical study
Authors: Xie H. , St. Cyr O. C. , Gopalswamy N. , Odstrcil D. , Cremades H.
Published: July 2013

We study two methods of predicting interplanetary shock location and strength in the inner heliosphere: (1) the ENLIL simulation and (2) the kilometric type II (kmTII) prediction. To evaluate differences in the performance of the first method, we apply two sets of coronal mass ejections (CME) parameters from the cone‐model fitting and flux‐rope (FR) model fitting as input to the ENLIL model for 16 halo CMEs. The results show that the ENLIL model using the actual CME speeds from FR‐fit provided an improved shock arrival time (SAT) prediction. The mean prediction errors for the FR and cone‐model inputs are 4.90±5.92 h and 5.48±6.11 h, respectively. A deviation of 100 km s−1 from the actual CME speed has resulted in a SAT error of 3.46 h on average. The simulations show that the shock dynamics in the inner heliosphere agrees with the drag‐based model. The shock acceleration can be divided as two phases: a faster deceleration phase within 50 Rs and a slower deceleration phase at distances beyond 50 Rs. The linear‐fit deceleration in phase 1 is about 1 order of magnitude larger than that in phase 2. When applying the kmTII method to 14 DH‐km CMEs, we found that combining the kmTII method with the ENLIL outputs improved the kmTII prediction. Due to a better modeling of plasma density upstream of shocks and the kmTII location, we are able to provide a more accurate shock time‐distance and speed profiles. The mean kmTII prediction error using the ENLIL model density is 6.7±6.4 h; it is 8.4±10.4 h when the average solar wind plasma density is used. Applying the ENLIL density has reduced the mean kmTII prediction error by ∼2 h and the standard deviation by 4.0 h. Especially when we applied the combined approach to two interacting events, the kmTII prediction error was drastically reduced from 29.6 h to −4.9 h in one case and 10.6 h to 4.2 h in the other. Furthermore, the results derived from the kmTII method and the ENLIL simulation, together with white‐light data, provide a valuable validation of shock formation location and strength. Such information has important implications for solar energetic particle acceleration.
Characteristics of long recovery early VLF events observed by the North African AWESOME Network
Authors: NaitAmor S. , Cohen M. B. , Cotts B. R. T. , Ghalila H. , AlAbdoadaim M. A. , Graf K.
Published: July 2013

Lightning strokes are capable of initiating disturbances in the lower ionosphere, whose recoveries persist for many minutes. These events are remotely sensed via monitoring subionospherically propagating very low frequency (VLF) transmitter signals, which are perturbed as they pass through the region above the lightning stroke. In this paper we describe the properties and characteristics of the early VLF signal perturbations, which exhibit long recovery times using subionospheric VLF transmitter data from three identical receivers located at Algiers (Algeria), Tunis (Tunisia), and Sebha (Libya). The results indicate that the observation of long recovery events depends strongly on the modal structure of the signal electromagnetic field and the distance from the disturbed region and the receiver or transmitter locations. Comparison of simultaneously collected data at the three sites indicates that the role of the causative lightning stroke properties (e.g., peak current and polarity), or that of transient luminous events may be much less important. The dominant parameter which determines the duration of the recovery time and amplitude appears to be the modal structure of the subionospheric VLF probe signal at the ionospheric disturbance, where scattering occurs, and the subsequent modal structure that propagates to the receiver location.
The proton temperature anisotropy associated with bursty bulk flows in the magnetotail
Authors: Wu MingYu , Volwerk Martin , Lu QuanMing , Vörös Zoltán , Nakamura Rumi , Zhang TieLong
Published: July 2013

We study the development of the proton temperature anisotropy T⊥/T|| in bursty bulk flows (BBFs), as observed by THEMIS Mission. For a set of 10 selected events, during which at least three spacecraft are aligned in the same flow, we can sample the plasma parameters along the Earth's magnetotail. The temperature anisotropy in the quiescent tail is negligible. However, as soon as the BBF passes over the spacecraft a strong anisotropy is measured. We analyze T⊥/T|| as a function of parallel plasma beta‐β||(=nkT||/(B2/2μ0)) for the different THEMIS satellites and compare the spread of the data points with various instability thresholds over ion scales that can reduce the temperature anisotropy: for T⊥/T||<1 the parallel and oblique firehose; for T⊥/T||>1 the proton cyclotron and mirror mode. It is shown that the anisotropy reduces whilst the BBF is moving Earthward, and the strongest fluctuations are enhanced along the instability thresholds, indicating that these instabilities reduce the proton temperature anisotropy.
The four cumulus cloud modes and their progression during rainfall events: A C‐band polarimetric radar perspective
Authors: Kumar Vickal V. , Jakob Christian , Protat Alain , May Peter T. , Davies Laura
Published: July 2013

There is no objective definition to separate cumulus congestus clouds from the shallow cumulus and deep clouds. This has generated misinterpretation about the role of congestus clouds to promote deep convection through the potential of moistening the middle troposphere. In this study, an objective identification for the different tropical cumulus modes is found by examining the occurrence frequency of the cloud cell top heights (CTHs) and near‐ground (at 2.5 km height) rainfall properties of these cells using a three‐season database of the Darwin C‐band polarimetric radar. Four cumulus modes were identified, namely a shallow cumulus mode with CTH in the trade inversion layer (1–3 km), a congestus mode with tops in the highly stable middle troposphere (3–6.5 km), a deep convective mode with tops in the region of free convection (6.5–15 km), and an overshooting convection mode with tops in the tropical tropopause layer (CTH >15 km). The study also investigates the connections between these cumulus modes during heavy rainfall events. The congestus mode occurs predominantly from ~10 h prior to the peak rainfall event to ~2 h past the event. The deep cloud populations (Modes 3 and 4) have their maxima at and shortly after the time of the rainfall peak, with maximum occurrence just below the tropical tropopause layer. A comparison of the heavy rainfall events occurring in morning (oceanic) conditions against the afternoon (continental) conditions revealed a higher ratio of the shallow to the deep cloud population and a shorter transition time from the shallow to the onset of deep population in the morning‐oceanic conditions than the afternoon‐land conditions. It is also found through the analysis of the large‐scale moisture budget data set that for both the morning and afternoon events, the moistening peaked before the peak in the congestus populations.
Integrating carbon emissions from lakes and streams in a subarctic catchment
Authors: Lundin Erik J. , Giesler Reiner , Persson Andreas , Thompson Megan S. , Karlsson Jan
Published: July 2013

Northern inland waters emit CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere but the importance of these emissions is poorly understood due to a lack of integrated catchment‐scale estimates of carbon (C) emissions from lakes and streams. In this study we quantified the annual emission of CO2 and CH4 from 27 lakes and 23 stream segments in a 15 km2 subarctic catchment in northern Sweden. All lakes and streams were net sources of C to the atmosphere on an annual basis. Streams dominated (96%) the aquatic CO2 emission while lakes (61%) dominated the aquatic CH4 emission. Total aquatic C emission from the catchment was estimated to be 9.1 g C m−2 yr−1 (98% as CO2). Although streams only accounted for 4% of the aquatic area in the catchment, they accounted for 95% of the total emission. The C emissions from lakes and streams were considerably larger than previously reported downstream waterborne export of C from the catchment, indicating that the atmospheric losses of C in the aquatic systems are an important component in the catchment C balance.
Evaluation of residual viremia and quantitation of soluble CD14 in a large cohort of HIV‐infected adults on a long‐term non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐based regimen
Authors: Allavena Clotilde , Rodallec Audrey , Sécher Solène , Reliquet Véronique , Baffoin Sandrine , André‐Garnier Elisabeth , Billaud Eric , Raffi François , Ferré Virginie
Published: July 2013

Beyond virological suppression and immunologic recovery, the objective of long‐term antiretroviral therapy is to suppress maximally viremia and to control for persistent immune activation. Non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐containing regimens are associated with lower residual viremia. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of long term NNRTI‐containing treatment on residual viremia and on monocyte activation in a cohort of patients infected with HIV‐1. To identify factors associated with residual viremia, adult patients infected with HIV on nevirapine or efavirenz‐based therapy with viral load <50 copies/ml for >6 months were included. Residual plasma viremia was quantified using an adapted Cobas/Taqman HIV‐1 assay. Viral loads with no detected signal were considered as <1 copy/ml. Monocyte activation was evaluated by quantitation of plasma sCD14 by ELISA assay at the time of residual viremia measurement. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with residual viremia <1 copy/ml. In this cohort of 421 patients on long‐term NNRTI regimen, three quarters had a residual viremia <1 copy/ml. In multivariate analysis, duration of plasma viral load below 50 copies/ml was the only factor associated with residual viremia <1 copy/ml. Soluble CD14 was in the normal range although treatment with nevirapine was associated with a significant lower level of sCD14 compared to efavirenz. Residual viremia <1 copy/ml was frequent in this cohort of patients with long term virological control and confirmed the results of previous studies. Apart from its antiviral effect, nevirapine as well as efavirenz could decrease monocyte activation. J Med. Virol. 85:1878–1882, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trends in temperature over Godavari River basin in Southern Peninsular India
Authors: Jhajharia Deepak , Dinpashoh Yagob , Kahya Ercan , Choudhary Rahul R. , Singh Vijay P.
Published: July 2013

There is little dispute that global surface air temperature has increased and the anthropogenic‐induced global warming is likely to play an important role in the management of water resources of a river basin. Therefore, this study was undertaken for Godavari River basin, a large southern peninsular river basin in India. After removing the effect of significant lag‐1 serial correlation by pre‐whitening procedure, the Mann–Kendall (MK) test was employed to investigate trends in maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin) and mean temperature (Tmean) at 35 stations in the basin. At seasonal (monthly) time scales, a majority of the stations exhibited no trends in Tmean, Tmax and Tmin in any of the four seasons (12 months) with the exception of post‐monsoon (December) for Tmax and monsoon (July and September) for Tmin. About 60% (45%) of the stations exhibited increasing trends in Tmax (Tmin) in different durations: the month of December and post‐monsoon season (the months of July and September and monsoon season) indicating the presence of an element of seasonal cycle in temperature over the Godavari basin. Results of tests of spatial and temporal homogeneity of trends by the Van Belle and Hughes method showed that trends in temperature over the Godavari basin were not homogeneous for different months or at different stations. In spite of the warmer climate in the basin, the evaporation (Epan) has been found to decrease significantly over the Godavari basin. Strong decreases in wind speed and increases in relative humidity may have actually caused the Epan decreases over the southern peninsular region of India.
Trends in observed extreme climate indices in Saudi Arabia during 1979–2008
Authors: Athar H.
Published: July 2013

Results of a detailed computation of trends in the annual and the seasonal extreme climate indices using the observed daily temperature and precipitation datasets from a total of 19 stations from Saudi Arabia (SA) for the 30‐year period (1979–2008) are presented. The temperature based indices have higher value of statistically significant decadal trends and are spatially more widespread as compared to the precipitation based indices. The increase in the frequency of the extreme warm temperatures is larger than the increase in the frequency of the extreme cold temperatures, both on the annual and the seasonal basis. The daily temperature based extremes display more warming in the summer season. The (southwest) coastal stations have displayed more warming as compared to the inland stations. The regional daily temperature range shows a statistically significant increase of 0.21 °C decade−1 for SA, during the 30‐year period. Warming of extreme maximum temperatures follow the general trend of already noticed warming in SA.
Raman spectroscopy of proteins: a review
Authors: Rygula A. , Majzner K. , Marzec K. M. , Kaczor A. , Pilarczyk M. , Baranska M.
Published: July 2013

In this work, 26 proteins of different structure, function and properties are investigated by Raman spectroscopy with 488, 532 and 1064 nm laser lines. The excitation lines were chosen in NIR and Vis range as the most common and to show the difference due to normal and resonance effect, sometimes accompanied by the fluorescence. The selected proteins were divided, according to the Structural Classification of Proteins, into four classes according to their secondary structure, i.e. α‐helical (α), β‐sheet (β), mixed structures (α/β, α + β, s) and others. For all compounds, FT‐Raman and two Vis spectra are presented along with the detailed band assignment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review showing the potential of Raman spectroscopy for the measurement and analysis of such a large collection of individual proteins. This work can serve as a comprehensive vibrational spectra library, based on our and previous Raman measurements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Portable to SCA Raman devices to characterize harmful compounds contained in used black slag produced in Electric Arc Furnace of steel industry
Authors: Gómez‐Nubla Leticia , Aramendia Julene , de Vallejuelo Silvia Fdez‐Ortiz , Castro Kepa , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: July 2013

Black slag from steel production is an industrial waste used as secondary material for some applications (forest tracks, cement, etc.). When it disposed to the open air, little is known about possible side effects that could appear with time. To foresee those side effects, various Raman equipments were used. This analytical strategy has been applied to six different black slag. Four of them were obtained from two steel producers (two original and two with treatment of ‘inerting’), and the other two sampled in civil construction works, which supposedly should be treated. Results showed the original mineral phases of the samples (iron and other metal oxides, silicates, ferrites…) and the new phases (calcite, natron, nitratine, goethite, limonite, ilesite, etc.) resulting from the superficial reaction with the atmospheric acid compounds. This fact indicates a strong reactivity between slag and surrounding environment where they have been deposited. Only with one of the three setups, all the compounds could not be detected: (1) the handheld spectrometer detected the major ones and few of the minor ones, (2) the laboratory Raman microprobe ascertained nearly all of the compounds, but cannot be translated to the field and (3) Structural and Chemical Analyser (SCA), which combines micro‐Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) on the same spot, recognized the trace compounds, which were the most harmful ones. These results demonstrate the greater applicability of this new strategy in comparison with traditional methods for the chemical characterization of black slag and its alteration products. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel focal adhesion protein kindlin‐2 promotes the invasion of gastric cancer cells through phosphorylation of integrin β1 and β3
Authors: Shen Zhanlong , Ye Yingjiang , Kauttu Tuuli , Seppänen Hanna , Vainionpää Sanna , Wang Shan , Mustonen Harri , Puolakkainen Pauli
Published: July 2013

Background

We have found that the expression of the novel focal adhesion protein kindlin‐2 had a significant positive correlation with poor survival in gastric cancer. However, the mechanism by which kindlin‐2 acts in gastric cancer warrants further evaluation.

Methods

Kindlin‐2 mRNA expression in gastric cancer cell lines was measured by realtime RT‐PCR under normal and hypoxic conditions. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, tumor adhesion, cell invasion ability, and phosphorylation of integrin β1 and β3 proteins were measured to assess the influence of kindlin‐2 on the malignant behavior of gastric cancer cells.

Results

Kindlin‐2 mRNA expression was highest in the distant metastasis gastric cancer cell line Hs‐746T. Cell proliferation, adhesion with endothelium and collagen IV, invasion rate, and angiogenesis genes expression, as well as phosphorylation of integrin β1 and β3 in Hs‐746T, were decreased significantly after kindlin‐2 downregulation, but there was no change in apoptosis and cell cycle.

Conclusions

Kindlin‐2 might promote the invasion of gastric cancer cells through enhancing proliferation and adhesion by the phosphorylation of integrin β1 and β3. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:106–112. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High contrast reflectance imaging of simulated lesions on tooth occlusal surfaces at near‐IR wavelengths
Authors: Fried William A. , Fried Daniel , Chan Kenneth H. , Darling Cynthia L.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that high contrast images of tooth demineralization can be acquired in the near‐infrared (near‐IR) without the interference of stain. The purpose of this study is to compare the lesion contrast in reflectance at near‐IR wavelengths coincident with high water absorption with those in the visible, the near‐IR at 1,300 nm and with fluorescence measurements for early lesions in occlusal surfaces.

Methods

Twenty‐four human molars were used in this in vitro study. Teeth were painted with an acid‐resistant varnish, leaving a 4 × 4 mm window in the occlusal surface of each tooth exposed for demineralization. Artificial lesions were produced in the exposed windows after 1‐ and 2‐day exposure to a demineralizing solution at pH 4.5. Lesions were imaged using near‐IR reflectance at three wavelengths, 1,300, 1,460, and 1,600 nm using a high definition InGaAs camera. Visible light reflectance, and fluorescence with 405 nm excitation and detection at wavelengths greater than 500 nm were also used to acquire images for comparison. Crossed polarizers were used for reflectance measurements to reduce interference from specular reflectance.

Results

The contrast of both the 1‐ and 2‐day lesions were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for near‐IR reflectance imaging at 1,460 and 1,600 nm than it was for near‐IR reflectance imaging at 1,300 nm, visible reflectance imaging, and fluorescence.

Conclusion

The markedly higher contrast at 1,460 and 1,600 nm wavelengths, coincident with higher water absorption, suggest that these wavelengths are better suited than 1,300 nm for imaging early/shallow demineralization on tooth surfaces. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:533–541, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐situ Formation and Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles by Gum Arabic as Efficient Photothermal Agent for Killing Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Ching‐Ping , Lin Fong‐Sian , Chien Chih‐Te , Tseng Sheng‐Yang , Luo Chih‐Wei , Chen Chien‐Hung , Chen Jen‐Kun , Tseng Fan‐Gang , Hwu Yeukuang , Lo Leu‐Wei , Yang Chung‐Shi , Lin Shu‐Yi
Published: July 2013

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been established to sufficiently eradicate tumors by means of heat production for photothermal therapy. However, the translation of the AuNPs from bench to the clinic still remains to be solved until realizing high bioclearance after treatment. Herein, we developed a simple strategy for simultaneous formation and assembly of small‐size gold nanoparticles (Au‐SNPs) to form a novel nanocomposite in the presence of gum arabic (GA) by synchrotron X‐ray irradiation in an aqueous solution within 5 min. GA, a porous polysaccharide, can not only provide a confined space in which to produce uniform Au‐SNPs (1.6 ± 0.7 nm in diameter), but can also facilitate the formation of Au‐SNPs@GA (diameter ≈ 40 nm) after irradiating synchrotron X‐rays. Specifically, the Au‐SNPs@GA possesses high thermal stability and a strong photothermal effect for killing cancer cells. Importantly, a bioclearance study demonstrated that the Au‐SNPs@GA can be gradually excreted by the renal and hepatobiliary system, which might be due to the breakdown and oxidation of GA under irradiating synchrotron X‐rays. Thus, the novel gold nanocomposite can be promising photothermal agents for cancer treatment at the therapeutic level, minimizing toxicity concerns regarding long‐term accumulation in vivo.
Electroresponsive Nanoporous Membranes by Coating Anodized Alumina with Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) and Polypyrrole
Authors: Abelow Alexis E. , Persson Kristin M. , Jager Edwin W. H. , Berggren Magnus , Zharov Ilya
Published: July 2013

Electrically‐active nanoporous membranes are prepared by coating the surface of anodized alumina with electroactive polymers using vapor phase polymerization with four combinations of conjugated polymers and doping ions: poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophone) and polypyrrole, FeCl3 and FeTs3. The permeability of the polymer‐coated membranes is measured as a function of the applied electric potential. A reversible three‐fold increase is found in molecular flux of a neutral dye for membranes in oxidized state compared to that in the reduced state. After analyzing various factors that may affect the molecular transport through these membranes, it is concluded that the observed behavior results mostly from swelling/deswelling of the polymers and from the confinement of the polymers inside the nanopores.
Direct Writing of Conducting Polymers
Authors: Aydemir Nihan , Parcell James , Laslau Cosmin , Nieuwoudt Michel , Williams David E. , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka
Published: July 2013

Described herein is a new printing method—direct writing of conducting polymers (CPs)—based on pipette‐tip localized continuous electrochemical growth. A single barrel micropipette containing a metal wire (Pt) is filled with a mixture of monomer, supporting electrolyte, and an appropriate solvent. A droplet at the tip of the pipette contacts the substrate, which becomes the working electrode of a micro‐electrochemical cell confined to the tip droplet and the pipette. The metallic wire in the pipette acts as both counter and reference electrode. Electropolymerization forms the CP on the working electrode in a pattern controlled by the movement of the pipette. In this study, various width poly(pyrrole) 2D and 3D structures are extruded and characterized in terms of microcyclic voltammetry, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

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Inhibition of carbon steel corrosion by imidazoline in carbon dioxide saturated oilfield brine solution
Authors: Doležal D. , Alar V. , Borko T.
Published: July 2013

This work focuses on the testing of imidazoline based corrosion inhibitor and the inhibition of carbon steel corrosion caused by carbon dioxide saturated oilfield brine solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear polarization, anodic and cathodic polarization (Tafel extrapolation method) measurements were carried out. In order to investigate imidazoline based corrosion inhibitor efficiency, carbon dioxide saturated oilfield brine solution without inhibitor and solution with added different concentrations of imidazoline based corrosion inhibitor were tested. Those results were compared. Influence of testing solution temperature and stirring of testing solution on the corrosion inhibitor efficiency were investigated. On the basis of obtained results it can be concluded that optimal concentration of imidazoline based corrosion inhibitor is 50 ppm for the successful and effective corrosion protection of pipelines made of carbon steel under test conditions similar to typical oilfield conditions (35°C, atmospheric pressure, stirring rate 400 min–1).
Effect of cobalt content on microstructure and property of electroplated nickel‐cobalt alloy coatings
Authors: Wu Z. W. , Lei Y. P. , Wang Y. , Fu H. G.
Published: July 2013

Nickel‐cobalt alloys were electrodeposited on copper sheets in sulfate bath containing 288.5 g/l NiSO4·6H2O, 30 g/l CoSO4·7H2O, 40 g/l HBO3, 15 g/l NaCl and 0.08 g/l lauryl sodium sulfate. The effects of cobalt content on microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of electroplating nickel‐cobalt alloys were studied by using SEM and XRD techniques, and microhardness tester and wear tester. The relationship between the microhardness of nickel‐cobalt alloy coatings and heat treatment procedures was also investigated. The experimental results show that cobalt content (Wt) in coating increases with Co2+/(Co2+ + Ni2+)% (X) in plating solution. Fitted regression equation is as following: Wt = –0.7399 + 2.2847X – 0.0133X2. The increase of cobalt content leads to that the longitudinal section morphology of coating transforms from the cone into sphericity and at last into the shape of willow leaf, and its structure transforms from face centered cubic (fcc) nickel solid solution into fcc cobalt solid solution and at last into hcp cobalt solid solution. The increase of cobalt content results in the increase of microhardness of nickel‐cobalt alloy coatings, and the hardness reaches a maximum value (363 HV) when cobalt content is 54.9%. After heat treatment at 400°C and 600°C, the microhardness of coatings begins to decrease except the coating containing 79.2% Co. Moreover, the wear resistance of electroplated coatings increases with the increase of cobalt content.
Acute complications of movement disorders surgery: Effects of age and comorbidities
Authors: Rughani Anand I. , Hodaie Mojgan , Lozano Andres M.
Published: July 2013

The most common indication for movement disorder surgery is Parkinson's disease (PD), and the incidence of PD increases with age. The analysis reported here was undertaken with the primary goal of examining whether there is a relationship between peri‐operative complications and age. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD, USA) was queried for 10 years beginning in 1999 for patients undergoing deep brain stimulator insertion, pallidotomy, and thalamotomy for treatment of PD, essential tremor, and dystonia. Inpatient complications, including death, stroke (both ischemic and hemorrhagic), and other overall complications were examined. The relative risks associated with advanced age; primary diagnosis; treatment modality; the diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes, and nicotinism; and the cumulative number of comorbidities were examined. There were 5464 patients who met inclusion criteria, including 4145 patients treated for PD and 4961 patients treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS). Overall in‐hospital mortality was 0.26%, with 0.15% related to surgical factors. There was a correlation between in‐hospital mortality, increasing age, and number of medical comorbidities. After multivariate regression no factor remained predictive of mortality. Having more than 1 medical comorbidity or PD increased the risk of in‐hospital complications. Patients with PD were more likely to suffer hemorrhage or stroke. Hypertension, diabetes, nicotinism, and modality of treatment were not associated with increased mortality, hemorrhage or stroke risk, or in‐hospital mortality in univariate or multivariate analysis. Both age and medical comorbidity are correlated with in‐hospital complications, but age appears to serve as a surrogate for comorbidity. Surgery for PD appears to carry an increased risk of hemorrhage or stroke and in‐hospital complications. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society