bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of avidin antibody pretargeting using 211At‐labeled and biotinylated poly‐L‐lysine as effector molecule
Authors: Frost Sofia HL , Jensen Holger , Lindegren Sture
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Pretargeting is an approach for enhancing the therapeutic index of radioimmunotherapy by separating the administrations of tumor‐targeting substance and radiolabel. In this study, a pretargeting model system of avidin‐conjugated monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and biotinylated, 211At‐labeled poly‐L‐lysine was constructed and analyzed in vitro.

METHODS:

Avidin activated by 4‐(N‐maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane‐1‐carboxylic acid 3‐sulfo‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester sodium salt (sulfo‐SMCC) and thiolated trastuzumab were incubated overnight at 4°C. The monomeric fraction was extracted using size exclusion fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and further purified on an iminobiotin affinity column. Poly‐L‐lysine was biotinylated with succinimidyl‐6‐(biotinamido)hexanoate (NHS‐LC‐biotin), followed by direct 211At‐labeling with N‐succinimidyl‐3‐(trimethylstannyl)benzoate (m‐MeATE), and succinylation with succinic anhydride. The avidin‐trastuzumab conjugate was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and FPLC, together with cell‐binding and biotin‐binding analyses. The labeled poly‐L‐lysine conjugate was assessed in terms of radiochemical purity and avidin binding. Furthermore, the full pretargeting system was evaluated in a tumor cell binding assay.

RESULTS:

The estimated size of the pretargeting molecule was 220 kDa, which corresponds to that of the expected avidin‐trastuzumab monomer. Neither cell‐binding ability (64%) nor biotin‐binding ability (85%‐95%) indicated any severe adverse effects from the chemical modifications. The radiochemical purity of the effector molecule was 92%‐97%, and the avidin binding capacity was 91%‐93%. The complete pretargeting assay resulted in a binding of 75.3 ± 6.2% of added effector molecules to cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

The high binding of effector molecules to cells demonstrates a proof of concept for the synthesized molecules and pretargeting system, which will be further evaluated in vivo in future studies. Cancer 2010;116(4 suppl):1101–10. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Low‐Energy‐Barrier Proton Transfer Induced by Electron Attachment to the Guanine⋅⋅⋅Cytosine Base Pair
Authors: Szyperska Anna , Rak Janusz , Leszczynski Jerzy , Li Xiang , Ko Yeon Jae , Wang Haopeng , Bowen Kit H.
Published: February 2010

The photoelectron spectrum of the anion of the guanine⋅⋅⋅cytosine base apair (GC).− is recorded for the first time. The observed variation in the spectral peak‐height ratios with the source conditions suggests the presence of two or more anionic isomers. Two maxima of the broad bands in the photoelectron spectrum were measured at about 1.9 and about 2.6 eV. These values are very well reproduced by the vertical detachment energies of the B3LYP/6‐31++G(d,p) calculated low‐energy anionic structures, which are 1) the Watson–Crick base‐pair anion with proton transferred from N1 of guanine to N3 of cytosine, 2) its analogue in which the proton is transferred from N9 of guanine to N7 of guanine, and 3) the global minimum geometry, which is formed from the latter anion by rotation of guanine about the axis approximately defined by C2 of guanine and C4 of cytosine. Furthermore, a minor difference in the stabilities of the two lowest energy anions explains the experimentally observed source (temperature) dependence of the PES spectrum. A rational procedure, based on the chemistry involved in the formation of anionic dimers, which enables the low‐energy anions populated in the photoelectron spectrum to be identified is proposed. In contrast to the alternative combinatorial approach, which in the studied case would lead to carrying out quantum chemical calculations for 2000–2500 structures, the procedure described here reduces the computational problem to only 15 geometries.
Demand‐specific alteration of medial prefrontal cortex response during an inhibition task in recovered anorexic women
Authors: Oberndorfer Tyson A. , Kaye Walter H. , Simmons Alan N. , Strigo Irina A. , Matthews Scott C.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

It is well known that individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) are inhibited and over‐controlled. This study investigated a prefrontal‐cingulate network that is involved in inhibitory control.

Method:

To avoid the confounds of malnutrition, 12 recovered (RAN) subjects were compared to 12 matched control women (CW) using a validated inhibition task (i.e., a stop signal task) during functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

Consistent with the a priori hypothesis, RAN subjects showed altered task‐related activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a critical node of the inhibitory control network. Specifically, whereas RAN and CW showed similar mPFC acitivity during trials when inhibitory demand was low (i.e., easy trials), RAN relative to CW showed significantly less mPFC activation as inhibition trials became more difficult (i.e., hard trials), suggesting a demand‐specific modulation of inhibitory control circuitry in RAN.

Discussion:

These findings support a neural basis for altered impulse control symptoms in AN © © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011; 44:1–8)
Mediators between perfectionism and eating disorder psychopathology: Shape and weight overvaluation and conditional goal‐setting
Authors: Watson Hunna J. , Raykos Bronwyn C. , Street Helen , Fursland Anthea , Nathan Paula R.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To examine mediators of the relationship between perfectionism and eating disorder (ED) psychopathology in a clinical sample.

Method:

Participants were 201 women with a DSM‐IV diagnosed ED consecutively referred to a specialist outpatient treatment clinic. Participants completed measures of perfectionism, ED psychopathology, shape and weight overvaluation, and conditional goal‐setting (CGS).

Results:

Evaluation of a multivariate mediator model using Baron and Kenny's (1986) four‐step mediation methodology showed that shape and weight overvaluation and CGS significantly and uniquely mediated the relation between self‐oriented perfectionism (SOP) and restraint, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern. The mediator model furthered the proportion of explained variance in outcomes beyond the direct effects model by 28–49%.

Discussion:

The findings support the conclusion that the relationship between SOP and ED psychopathology in women with a clinically diagnosed ED is mediated by shape and weight overvaluation and CGS. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polydipsia and hyponatremia in a woman with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Bahia Amit , Chu Eugene S. , Mehler Philip S.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

Hyponatremia is infrequently reported in the constellation of metabolic abnormalities in patients with eating disorders. We sought to identify the etiology and describe the management of a patient with anorexia nervosa and hyponatremia.

Method:

We report the case of a 23‐year‐old woman with anorexia nervosa who suffered with severe hyponatremia.

Results:

The etiology of hyponatremia in this case, as in most patients with eating disorders, was multifactorial, encompassing both hypovolemic and euvolemic categories of hyponatremia. Multiple impairments in the ability to clear free water are responsible for a heightened risk for hyponatremia in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Discussion:

This case underscores the importance of careful scrutiny of fluid intake, an awareness of medications that lead to hyponatremia, and the need for regular monitoring of serum electrolytes, even in patients with anorexia nervosa, to allow for an early diagnosis and to assist in the formulation of an effective treatment and prevention strategy. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of mirtazapine in an adult with refractory anorexia nervosa and comorbid depression: A case report
Authors: Safer Debra L. , Darcy Alison M. , Lock James
Published: February 2010

The objective of this report was to describe an efficacious treatment of an adult with long‐standing anorexia nervosa (AN). A 50‐year‐old woman with an over 7‐year history of AN and comorbid major depression had been treated unsuccessfully with numerous psychotropic medications, manualized cognitive behavior therapy, and an intensive outpatient treatment program before referral. After treatment with mirtazapine, she gained weight and her depression improved. A 9‐month follow‐up revealed a maintenance of these benefits. Mirtazapine may be useful for older, chronically ill patients presenting with AN and comorbid depression. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparisons over time: Temporal trajectories, social comparison, and self‐evaluation
Authors: Zell Ethan , Alicke Mark D.
Published: February 2010

Social comparison information fluctuates over time. We examined how people evaluate their task performance and ability after receiving test feedback specifying not only that they ranked above or below average, but also that their social status was rising, falling, or remaining constant. Participants' self‐evaluations were more positive when their social standing was rising over time rather than remaining constant. On the other hand, participants whose status was falling did not evaluate themselves less favorably than those with a constant position in the performance distribution. These reactions to performance feedback were observed on self‐evaluations of ability, but not on more even‐handed assessments of performance. Implications for social comparison and self‐evaluation maintenance theories are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hillslope scale surface runoff, sediment and nutrient losses associated with tramline wheelings
Authors: Silgram Martyn , Jackson D.R , Bailey Alison , Quinton John , Stevens Carly
Published: February 2010

Research on arable sandy loam and silty clay loam soils on 4° slopes in England has shown that tramlines (i.e. the unseeded wheeling areas used to facilitate spraying operations in cereal crops) can represent the most important pathway for phosphorus and sediment loss from moderately sloping fields. Detailed monitoring over the October–March period in winters 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 included event‐based sampling of surface runoff, suspended and particulate sediment, and dissolved and particulate phosphorus from hillslope segments (each ∼300–800 m2) established in a randomized block design with four replicates of each treatment at each of two sites on lighter and heavier soils. Experimental treatments assessed losses from the cropped area without tramlines, and from the uncropped tramline area, and were compared to losses from tramlines which had been disrupted once in the autumn with a shallow tine. On the lighter soil, the effects of removal or shallow incorporation of straw residues was also determined.

Research on both sandy and silty clay loam soils across two winters showed that tramline wheelings represented the dominant pathway for surface runoff and transport of sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen from cereal crops on moderate slopes. Results indicated 5·5–15·8% of rainfall lost as runoff, and losses of 0·8–2·9 kg TP ha−1 and 0·3–4·8 t ha−1 sediment in tramline treatments, compared to only 0·2–1·7% rainfall lost as runoff, and losses of 0·0–0·2 kg TP ha−1 and 0·003–0·3 t ha−1 sediment from treatments without tramlines or those where tramlines had been disrupted. The novel shallow disruption of tramline wheelings using a tine once following the autumn spray operation consistently and dramatically reduced (p < 0·001) surface runoff and loads of sediment, total nitrogen and total phosphorus to levels similar to those measured in cropped areas between tramlines. Results suggest that options for managing tramline wheelings warrant further refinement and evaluation with a view to incorporating them into spatially‐targeted farm‐level management planning using national or catchment‐based agri‐environment policy instruments aimed at reducing diffuse pollution from land to surface water systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emotional imagery: Assessing pleasure and arousal in the brain's reward circuitry
Authors: Costa Vincent D. , Lang Peter J. , Sabatinelli Dean , Versace Francesco , Bradley Margaret M.
Published: February 2010

Research on emotional perception and learning indicates appetitive cues engage nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), whereas amygdala activity is modulated by the emotional intensity of appetitive and aversive cues. This study sought to determine patterns of functional activation and connectivity among these regions during narrative emotional imagery. Using event‐related fMRI, we investigate activation of these structures when participants vividly imagine pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant scenes. Results indicate that pleasant imagery selectively activates NAc and mPFC, whereas amygdala activation was enhanced during both pleasant and unpleasant imagery. NAc and mPFC activity were each correlated with the rated pleasure of the imagined scenes, while amygdala activity was correlated with rated emotional arousal. Functional connectivity of NAc and mPFC was evident throughout imagery, regardless of hedonic content, while correlated activation of the amygdala with NAc and mPFC was specific to imagining pleasant scenes. These findings provide strong evidence that pleasurable text‐driven imagery engages a core appetitive circuit, including NAc, mPFC, and the amygdala. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attachment style, affective loss and gray matter volume: A voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Benetti Stefania , McCrory Eamon , Arulanantham Sobida , De Sanctis Teresa , McGuire Philip , Mechelli Andrea
Published: February 2010

Early patterns of infant attachment have been shown to be an important influence on adult social behavior. Animal studies suggest that patterns of early attachment influence brain development, contributing to permanent alterations in neural structure; however, there are no previous studies investigating whether differences in attachment style are associated with differences in brain structure in humans. In this study, we used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) to examine for the first time the association between attachment style, affective loss (for example, death of a loved one) and gray matter volume in a healthy sample of adults (n = 32). Attachment style was assessed on two dimensions (anxious and avoidant) using the ECR‐Revised questionnaire. High attachment‐related anxiety was associated with decreased gray matter in the anterior temporal pole and increased gray matter in the left lateral orbital gyrus. A greater number of affective losses was associated with increased gray matter volume in the cerebellum; in this region, however, the impact of affective losses was significantly moderated by the level of attachment‐related avoidance. These findings indicate that differences in attachment style are associated with differences in the neural structure of regions implicated in emotion regulation. It is hypothesized that early attachment experience may contribute to structural brain differences associated with attachment style in adulthood; furthermore, these findings point to a neuronal mechanism through which attachment style may mediate individual differences in responses to affective loss. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of a plasmid containing a novel immunotoxin VEGF165‐PE38 gene for antiangiogenic therapy in a malignant glioma model
Authors: Hu Chang‐chen , Ji Hong‐ming , Chen Sheng‐li , Zhang Han‐wei , Wang Bin‐quan , Zhou Li‐yuan , Zhang Zi‐ping , Sun Xin‐lin , Chen Zhen‐zhou , Cai Ying‐qian , Qin Ling‐sha , Lu Li , Jiang Xiao‐dan , Xu Ru‐xiang , Ke Yi‐quan
Published: February 2010

Inhibition of tumor neovascularization has profound effects on the growth of solid tumors. Our previous studies have shown the effect of VEGF165‐PE38 recombinant immunotoxin on proliferation and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. In this study, we explored the direct inhibition of angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane and antiangiogenic therapy in a malignant glioma model. HEK293 cells were transfected with the pVEGF165PE38‐IRES2‐EGFP plasmid. ELISA was used to confirm the expression of VEGF165‐PE38 in the transfected cells. These cells released 1396 ± 131.9 pg VEGF165‐PE38/1×104 cells/48 h into the culture medium and the supernatant was capable of inhibiting the growth of capillary‐like structures in chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. In a murine malignant glioma model, plasmid was directly administered via multiple local intratumoral delivery. After day 16 the tumor volume in mice treated with pVEGF165PE38‐IRES2‐EGFP was significantly lower than that in mice in the control groups. Immunohistochemistry studies showed that the treated group had decreased expression of CD31. Quantitative analysis of microvessel density in the treated group was 1.99 ± 0.69/0.74 mm2, and was significantly lower than that in the control groups (9.33 ± 1.99/0.74 mm2, 8.09 ± 1.39/0.74 mm2 and 8.49 ± 1.69/0.74 mm2). Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that immunotoxin VEGF165‐PE38 was distributed in the treated group in malignant glioma tissue. Our findings provide evidence that the in vivo production of VEGF165‐PE38 through gene therapy using a eukaryotic expression plasmid had potential antiangiogenic activity in malignant glioma in vivo.
Activity of deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (LBH589) in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma models: Defining molecular mechanisms of resistance
Authors: Shao Wenlin , Growney Joseph D. , Feng Yun , O'Connor Gregory , Pu Minying , Zhu Wenjing , Yao Yung‐Mae , Kwon Paul , Fawell Stephen , Atadja Peter
Published: February 2010

Panobinostat (LBH589) is a highly potent deacetylase inhibitor that has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with advanced cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). To gain a better understanding of the compound activity in this tumor type, we investigated the cellular and molecular effects of panobinostat using both in vitro and in vivo models of CTCL. All 4 tested CTCL cell lines exhibited very high sensitivity to panobinostat‐induced growth inhibition. However, only 2 of 4 lines exhibited significant response to the cytotoxic activity of panobinostat. In a CTCL xenograft mouse tumor model, panobinostat treatment resulted in complete tumor regression. The difference in cell sensitivity to panobinostat‐induced death enabled us to further investigate potential mechanisms responsible for tumor sensitivity or resistance. In CTCL cell lines that were insensitive to panobinostat‐induced apoptosis, constitutively activated NF‐κB and high levels of Bcl‐2 were observed. Inhibition of Bcl‐2 sensitized cells to the cytotoxic activity of panobinostat. Conversely, knockdown of Bax diminished the CTCL cell sensitivity. Interestingly, panobinostat could induce cytotoxicity in vorinostat‐resistant CTCL cells by downregulating phosphorylated STAT3 and STAT5 proteins. These studies suggest distinct mechanisms responsible for resistance to different deacetylase inhibitors. We show that the intrinsic apoptotic signaling plays an essential role in mediating panobinostat anticancer activity. Moreover, cancer cell sensitivity to panobinostat treatment may be further improved by combination with inhibition of anti‐apoptotic factors. These data provide preclinical support that panobinostat, as a single agent or in combination with other anticancer agents, is a promising therapy for CTCL.
Kindlin‐2 is expressed in malignant mesothelioma and is required for tumor cell adhesion and migration
Authors: An Zhengwen , Dobra Katalin , Lock John G. , Strömblad Staffan , Hjerpe Anders , Zhang Hongquan
Published: February 2010

Kindlin‐2 is a novel integrin‐interacting focal adhesion protein that belongs to the Kindlin family. Focal adhesion proteins control cytoskeleton dynamics and promote cancer cell growth, survival, migration and metastasis. Little is known, however, about expression of Kindlin‐2 in association with human cancer. We now reveal high Kindlin‐2 expression in malignant mesothelioma (MM) cell lines using an affinity‐purified anti‐Kindlin‐2 antibody. Furthermore, we show by immunohistochemistry that Kindlin‐2 is highly expressed in 92 of 102 (90%) MMs with epitheliod; sarcomatoid, biphasic and poorly differentiated morphologies. In addition, Kindlin‐2 expression correlates to cell proliferation, suggesting a role for Kindlin‐2 in tumor growth. We also detect increased expression of Kindlin‐2 at the invasion front of tumors concurrent with increased expression of integrin‐linked kinase, a Kindlin‐binding protein. Besides the high expression of Kindlin‐2 in pleural MMs, pleural metastases of lung adenocarcinoma also express large amounts of Kindlin‐2, but not Kindlin‐1. Notably, in vitro, when endogenous Kindlin‐2 was knocked down with RNAi in MM cells, this impaired cell spreading, adhesion and migration. Overall, our study suggests that heightened expression of Kindlin‐2 might contribute to tumor progression in MM.
In vitro evaluation of samarium (III) oxide as a bone substituting material
Authors: Herath H. M. T. U. , Di Silvio L. , Evans J. R. G.
Published: February 2010

The biocompatibility of natural samarium (III) oxide, which has previously been used for treatment in bone‐related diseases was determined as a first step in its evaluation as a bone implant material. Assessment for 28 days using osteoblast‐like cells revealed no indications of cytotoxicity. The cells adhered and proliferated on the surface. Furthermore, the differentiation and mineralization were observed, indicating a normal biological response of the cells on the samarium (III) oxide surface. The in vitro, short term biocompatibility assessment of this oxide has indicated its biosafety with no damaging toxic effects on the cells and biofunctionality; with an appropriate cell response for a bone‐contacting material. Hence, samarium (III) oxide deserves recognition in the field of biomaterials for its excellent in vitro performance and demonstrates that the class of potential bioceramics may be larger than previously thought. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Electrochemical behavior of cobalt–chromium alloys in a simulated physiological solution
Authors: Pound Bruce G.
Published: February 2010

Several cobalt–chromium alloys such as MP35N are used for biomedical implants. The electrochemical behavior of these alloys in the passive range differs from that of other biomedical alloys. In particular, their cyclic potentiodynamic polarization curves exhibit an increase in current at a potential of about 0.4 V (SCE). This study examined the electrochemical behavior of MP35N in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Tests were performed on mechanically polished MP35N rod and electropolished MP35N wire using cyclic potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostatic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In both cases, the surface oxide was shown to undergo two distinct changes as the potential is increased. The first change appears to be associated with solid‐state oxidation reactions involving the conversion of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) and of Co(II) to Co(III) at similar potentials. The second change involves transpassive dissolution that results in the release of chromate and nickel ions. At potentials below where these reactions occur, the impedance spectra showed near‐capacitive behavior, and the data could be fitted by a parallel resistance‐capacitance (as a constant phase element) circuit associated with the passive oxide film. The thickness of the oxide was determined from the capacitance and found to be consistent with surface analytical results reported in the literature. Resistivities obtained from resistance values indicated changes in the film composition as the potential was increased, particularly after the onset of the solid‐state reactions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Biomechanical implant fixation of CoCrMo coating inferior to titanium coating in a canine implant model
Authors: Jakobsen Stig S. , Baas Jorgen , Jakobsen Thomas , Soballe Kjeld
Published: February 2010

The use of CoCrMo in orthopedic surgery is not new, and CoCrMo (cobalt–chromium–molybdenum) is well tolerated. Nevertheless, the alloy is still considered less biocompatible than titanium. We therefore wanted to explore the biocompatibility of CoCrMo by investigating the biomechanical implant fixation and implant osseointegration of CoCrMo (ASTM F‐75) porous bead‐coated and titanium (ASTM F‐136) porous bead‐coated implants. In 10 dogs, the two implant types were inserted into the proximal part of the humerus. Implant sites were overdrilled, leaving an empty 0.75‐mm gap between implant and surrounding bone. The implants were observed for 6 weeks and were evaluated by biomechanical push‐out test and histomorphometry. We found a statistically significant 40% decrease in the biomechanical fixation of CoCrMo porous bead‐coated implants compared with titanium porous bead‐coated implants. Implant osseointegration was comparable between the two implants; however, a slight decrease in bone volume density around CoCrMo implants was observed. Insertions of CoCrMo implants are associated with a disturbance of the delicate peri‐implant milieu. Even from implants not subjected to any mechanical forces, metal ions are liberated and result in intra‐ and extracellular accumulation in the immediate implant vicinity, presenting a likely explanation for our findings. A 40% reduction of initial implant fixation could prove to be serious because initial implant fixation is critical for long‐term performance. The choice between titanium alloy and CoCrMo should, however, ultimately be governed by a comprehensive review of all factors influencing clinical implant survival. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
A physiologically active polysaccharide hydrogel promotes wound healing
Authors: Luo Yi , Diao Huajia , Xia Suhua , Dong Lei , Chen Jiangning , Zhang Junfeng
Published: February 2010

When the skin is injured, the subcutaneous tissues and organs are threatened by pathogens and excessive water loss. Wound dressings are, therefore, needed to protect the wound site from infection and improve the wound closure. Natural polysaccharides have been applied for various biomaterials including wound dressings, which show their advantages in biocompatibility, low toxicity, and pharmaceutical biomedical activity. In this study, a natural polysaccharide Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) hydrogel is prepared by an oxidation and crosslinking methods. This BSP hydrogel represents preferable swelling ability and appropriate water vapor transmission rate. Using a full‐thickness trauma mouse model, the hydrogel is applied on the in vivo cutaneous wound healing. Compared with the control groups, the BSP hydrogel achieves the much better healing results. The quantification of the infiltrating inflammatory cells and the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) in the BSP group are attenuated, whereas the secretion of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) is highly elevated. On the 11th day after surgery, the wound area in the BSP hydrogel group is only 1/5–1/3 of those in the control groups. This new BSP hydrogel is proved to control the inflammatory responses and accelerate the wound closure and has potential application in wound healing. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Stability of poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) materials intended for implants
Authors: Thaning Elin M. , Asplund Maria L. M. , Nyberg Tobias A. , Inganäs Olle W. , von Holst Hans
Published: February 2010

This study presents experiments designed to study the stability of the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), under simulated physiological conditions using phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (0.01M) at 37°C over a 5‐ to 6‐week period. Voltage pulsing in PBS was used as an additional test environment. The influence of switching the counter ion used in electropolymerization from polystyrene sulphonate (PSS) to heparin was investigated. Absorbance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to evaluate the material properties. Most of the samples in H2O2 lost both electroactivity and optical absorbance within the study period, but PEDOT:PSS was found slightly more stable than PEDOT:heparin. Polymers were relatively stable in PBS throughout the study period, with around 80% of electroactivity remaining after 5 weeks, disregarding delamination, which was a significant problem especially for polymer on indium tin oxide substrates. Voltage pulsing in PBS did not increase degradation. The counter ion influenced the time course of degradation in oxidizing agents. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2010
Color Doppler sonographic evaluation of flow volume of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries after carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Mitrasinovic Anka , Radak Sandra , Kolar Jovo , Aleksic Nikola , Otasevic Petar , Popovic Mirjana , Radak Djordje
Published: February 2010

Background.

To measure by Doppler sonography the blood flow volume (BFV) of the ipsilateral and contralateral extracranial internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and both vertebral arteries (VAs) before and after a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) of the ICA. We correlated the result with the degree of stenosis of the ICA.

Method.

One hundred seven patients who had a CEA were divided into 2 groups. Group I consisted of subjects with stenosis of ipsilateral ICA of ≥70% to near occlusion and Group II included subjects with near occlusion. The Doppler sonographic examinations were performed 1 day before the CEA, 7 days after the CEA, and 1 month after the CEA. The peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, time‐averaged maximum blood flow velocity, resistance index of the ipsilateral ICA, and the BFV of both ICAs and both VAs were calculated.

Result.

There was a significant increase in the peak systolic velocity, maximum blood flow velocity, and the BFV of the ipsilateral ICA after the CEA. The BFV of the contralateral ICA and both VAs were not significantly altered after the CEA in both groups.

Conclusion.

The main CEA hemodynamic effect was an increase in the BFV of the ipsilateral ICA regardless of the degree of stenosis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Reliability study of the sonographic measurement of the acromiohumeral distance in symptomatic patients
Authors: Pijls B. G. , Kok F. P. , Penning L. I. F. , Guldemond N. A. , Arens H. J.
Published: February 2010

Background.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability and accuracy of sonographic (US) acromiohumeral distance (AHD) measurement for both experienced and novice operators in US in patients suffering from subacromial impingement syndrome.

Method.

A total of 43 patients (50 shoulders) diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome were recruited from an orthopedic outpatient clinic. The US measurement of AHD was obtained consecutively in a neutral position and in a 60° abduction position. A total of 300 blinded measurements were taken.

Result.

In the neutral abduction group the intra‐ observer interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.94 for the experienced operator and 0.92 for the novice operator. The inter‐observer ICC was 0.70 and the accuracy was 1.1 mm. In the 60° abduction group, the intra‐observer ICC was 0.90 for the experienced operator and 0.87 for the novice operator. The inter‐observer ICC was 0.64 and the accuracy was 1.4 mm. All ICCs were significant at a level of p < 0.0001.

Conclusion.

The inaccuracy of the method was 1 mm regardless of the experience of the observer. US AHD measurement in patients with shoulder complaints is not as accurate as reported in healthy subjects. This may have important implications for the clinical use of this parameter. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Immature animals have higher cellular density in the healing anterior cruciate ligament than adolescent or adult animals
Authors: Mastrangelo Ashley N. , Haus Brian M. , Vavken Patrick , Palmer Matthew P. , Machan Jason T. , Murray Martha M.
Published: February 2010

There has been recent interest in the biologic stimulation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) healing. However, the effect of age on the ability of ligaments to heal has not yet been defined. In this study, we hypothesized that skeletal maturity would significantly affect the cellular and vascular repopulation rate of an ACL wound site. Skeletally Immature (open physes), Adolescent (closing physes), and Adult (closed physes) Yucatan minipigs underwent bilateral ACL transection and suture repair using a collagen‐platelet composite. The response to repair was evaluated histologically at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. All three groups of animals had completely populated the ACL wound site with fibroblasts at 1 week. The Immature animals had a higher cellular density in the wound site than the Adult animals at weeks 2 and 4. Cells in the Immature ligament wounds were larger and more ovoid than in the Adult wounds. There were no significant differences in the vascular density in the wound site. Animal age had a significant effect on the density of cells populating the ACL wound site. Whether this observed cellular difference has an effect on the later biomechanical function of the repaired ACL requires further study. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1100–1106, 2010
Enhanced water absorption of wheat gluten by hydrothermal treatment followed by microbial transglutaminase reaction
Authors: Liu Song , Zhang Dongxu , Liu Long , Wang Miao , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: The water absorption of wheat gluten plays an important role in the weight, volume and form ratio of the breads. In this paper, hydrothermal treatment and microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) modification were combined to improve the water absorption ratio (WAR) of wheat gluten. To understand the increases in WAR, the changes in MTGase reaction after gluten hydrothermal treatment were also investigated.

RESULTS: The sole hydrothermal treatment improved the WAR of gluten. The gluten treated at 100 °C for 30 min exhibited the highest WAR value (2.03 g g−1 gluten) while the WAR of the control without hydrothermal treatment was 1.5 g g−1 gluten. When gluten was exposed to 90 °C for 30 min followed by incubation with MTGase for 5 h, its WAR reached 2.48 g g−1 gluten. In contrast to control gluten, the surface hydrophobicity of the gluten preheated at 90 °C for 30 min increased and fluctuated in a different way during the following MTGase reaction. Meantime, the trend in the amount of soluble protein of preheated gluten was also changed in the progress of MTGase reaction.

CONCLUSION: Hydrothermal treatment followed by MTGase reaction is an efficient approach to improve the WAR of wheat gluten. The analysis of catalytic process, including determination of ammonia, gluten surface hydrophobicity, soluble protein and SDS–PAGE, suggested that hydrothermal pretreatment accelerated the cross‐linking reaction and may alter the ratio of gluten deamidation catalysed by MTGase, which induced an increase in the WAR. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Surgical resection for pulmonary metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of prognosis in relation to primary control
Authors: Lee Chang Young , Bae Mi Kyung , Park In Kyu , Kim Dae Joon , Lee Jin Gu , Choi Jin Sub , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Chung Kyung Young
Published: February 2010

Background

Advances in local treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have seen better prognosis. There were few studies on surgery for pulmonary metastasis from HCC controlled by local treatment. This study was conducted to analyze prognostic factors after surgery for pulmonary metastasis from HCC.

Methods

We reviewed 32 patients who underwent surgery for pulmonary metastasis from HCC and analyzed prognostic factors.

Results

HCC was controlled by surgery in 16 patients and by local treatment in 16 patients at the time of pulmonary resection. The median survival time after pulmonary resection was significantly better for HCC controlled by surgery, disease‐free time ≥12 months, TMN stage I–II, and T factor 1–2 of primary HCC. The median survival time was better for lesion ≤2 and Child–Pugh score A, but they were not significant (P = 0.053, 0.069). In multivariate analysis, HCC controlled by surgical treatment (P = 0.008), and lesion ≤2 (P = 0.030) were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Our Results indicated that surgical resection for pulmonary metastasis from HCC might be beneficial for patients whose HCC was controlled by surgery and the number of lesions was lower than 3. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:239–243. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical significance of the discrepancy between preoperative and postoperative diagnoses in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Shin Suk Hee , Bae Jae Moon , Jung Hun , Choi Min Gew , Lee Jun Haeng , Noh Jae Hyung , Sohn Tae Sung , Kim Sung
Published: February 2010

Background

Discrepancies between pre‐ and postoperative diagnoses can lead to dilemma for operative management adequacy.

Patients and Methods

A total of 2,910 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent curative surgery at the Samsung Medical Center between 2001 and 2003. Patients were divided into four groups: early gastric cancer (EGC)–EGC group that consisted of subjects who were diagnosed as having EGC pre‐ and postoperatively, advanced gastric cancer (AGC)–EGC group, EGC–AGC group, and AGC–AGC group. Clinicopathologic features and survival rates of groups were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Of the 2,910 patients, 1,491 (51.2%) patients were included in the EGC–EGC group, 132 (4.5%) in the AGC–EGC group, 120 (4.1%) in the EGC–AGC group, and 1,167 (40.1%) in the AGC–AGC group. The EGC–AGC group showed higher proportions of the followings than the EGC–EGC group: upper‐third and middle‐third tumor localizations, a tumor size from 2 to 5 cm, undifferentiated adenocarcinoma, Lauren's diffuse type, endolymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion. Five‐year survival rates were dependent on the final pathologic stages, not on the preoperative stages. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and American Joint Committee of Cancer stage were independent prognostic factors of patient survival.

Conclusion

A decision regarding minimally invasive treatment for EGC must be made having considered tumor location, size, and cellular differentiation, because of the possibility of an incorrect preoperative diagnosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:384–388. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrogenerated ferrate(VI) for CE–chemiluminescence detection to determine benzenediol isomers
Authors: Li Fang , Hu Yonggang , Zhang Huijing , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2010

Based on the quenched chemiluminescence intensity of the luminol reaction sensitized by ferrate(VI) in alkaline medium, a novel CE with on‐line inhibited method for the simultaneous analysis of benzenediol isomers was developed. The ferrate(VI) solution was freshly prepared by electrochemical technique before electrophoresis. The parameters influencing detection and separation were carefully investigated. Baseline separation of benzenediols including catechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone was achieved in less than 8 min with 5.0 mmol/L sodium tetraborate and 2.0 mmol/L luminol at an applied voltage of 18 kV. The LODs (S/N=3) for catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone were determined to be 8.5×10−9, 8.0×10−7 and 6.5×10−9 mol/L, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was applied for phenolic compounds in hair dye.
Determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A in animal feed by ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: López Grío Sergio José , Garrido Frenich Antonia , Martínez Vidal José Luis , Romero‐González Roberto
Published: February 2010

A rapid and simple method was developed to determine aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A in animal feed and pet foods by UHPLC–MS/MS. Because the complexity of the evaluated matrices, the proposed method is based on sonication extraction using an ACN/water mixture (80:20 v/v) followed by a clean‐up step utilising C18 as sorbent. Performance parameters of the method were evaluated, including linearity, trueness, precision and LOQ. Good linearity was found for all mycotoxins, with determination coefficients higher than 0.99 in the range considered, using matrix‐matched calibration for quantification purposes. Recoveries ranged from 84 to 113%, with RSD lower than 20%, whereas LOQs were 5 μg/kg for the assayed mycotoxins. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the analysis of 19 real samples, detecting aflatoxin G2 in two samples at 13 and 17 μg/kg respectively, whereas the other mycotoxins were detected at trace levels (<LOQ) in five samples.
Single‐step separation of bioactive flavonol glucosides from Osteomeles schwerinae by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Lee Jun , Jang Dae Sik , Yoo Nam Hee , Lee Yun Mi , Kim Joo‐Hwan , Kim Jin Sook
Published: February 2010

Two bioactive flavonol glucosides, hyperoside and quercitrin, were successfully isolated in one step from the phytochemically unknown medicinal plant Osteomeles schwerinae by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography using a two‐phase solvent system composed of n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (0.5:5.5:1.5:4.5 v/v). From 160 mg of crude extract, 2.1 mg of hyperoside (98.6% purity, 83.3% recovery) and 4.5 mg of quercitrin (99.2% purity, 81.7% recovery) were separated and then their chemical structures were identified by 1H and 13C NMR analysis. In addition, the isolates were subjected to an in vitro bioassay to evaluate their inhibitory activity on rat lens aldose reductase. Both quercitrin and hyperoside showed excellent inhibitory activities toward rat lens aldose reductase with the IC50 values of 0.16 and 4.33 μM, respectively, as compared with positive control, 3,3‐tetramethyleneglutaric acid (28.7 μM). So far, chemical constituents and biological activities of O. schwerinae have never been reported. This is the first report on the chemical constituents and biological activity of this plant using semi‐preparative high‐speed counter‐current chromatography separation technique.
Circulating cell‐free DNA levels increase variably following chorionic villus sampling
Authors: Vora Neeta L. , Johnson Kirby L. , Peter Inga , Tighiouart Hocine , Ralston Steven J. , Craigo Sabrina D. , Bianchi Diana W.
Published: February 2010

Objective

Cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma results from degradation of fetal and/or placental cells. Our objective was to determine if chorionic villus sampling (CVS) causes increased release of fetal and/or maternal DNA.

Methods

Fifty‐two pregnant women were recruited prior to CVS, performed for clinical indications, at 10 5/7 to 13 2/7 weeks. Maternal blood was collected before and within 15 min after CVS. cffDNA was extracted from plasma. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and the Y chromosome sequence DYS1 were used as measures of total and fetal DNA, respectively. All samples were analyzed in triplicate without knowledge of fetal gender.

Results

Sensitivity of DYS1 detection in male fetuses was 100% (n = 30); specificity in female fetuses was 100% (n = 22). While a majority of women had > 50% post‐procedure increases in both fetal and total DNA, some showed post‐procedure decreases. However, overall median proportional increases were not statistically significant. Gestational age (GA), placental location, and individual CVS operator did not correlate with changes in DNA levels.

Conclusions

While there were no statistically significant overall changes in DNA levels after CVS, as‐yet undiscovered variables may influence the extent of post‐procedure release of cell‐free DNA in the circulation of pregnant women. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circadian preferences and personality traits: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsaousis Ioannis
Published: February 2010

In this study we report results of a meta‐analysis of studies linking personality to circadian rhythms. A total of 35 independent samples, 96 correlations and 8589 participants were included. Results showed that conscientiousness is the personality dimension that mostly related to morningness (r = .29). Agreeableness was also related to morningness although to a lesser degree (r = .13). Openness to experience, extraversion and neuroticism, contribute to a very small degree (i.e. −.09, −.06 and −.07, respectively). Furthermore, moderation analyses suggested effects of personality measure (big five vs. other) and sample (students vs. workers). Average age of participants had no significant impact on the relationship between morningness and personality, apart from a very trivial influence on openness to experience. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of organo‐modifier on the structure and properties of poly[ethylene–(vinyl alcohol)]/organo‐modified montmorillonite composites
Authors: Franco‐Urquiza Edgar , Gamez Perez José , Sánchez‐Soto Miguel , Santana Orlando O , Maspoch Maria L
Published: February 2010

Ethylene–(vinyl alcohol) (EVOH)/organo‐modified montmorillonite clay (OMMT) composites were prepared using commercial OMMTs with two different organo‐modifiers. The first one has polar groups, which interact with EVOH chains, whereas the second one is non‐polar. Composites with a high weight percentage of OMMT were prepared by melt‐extrusion in a twin‐screw extruder. Films were prepared in a cast‐film line in order to evaluate the tensile and fracture parameters. The morphology of the EVOH/OMMT composites was characterized using wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy, complemented by image analysis. The mechanical properties were evaluated using uniaxial tensile tests; the fracture behaviour was analysed using the essential work of fracture (EWF) method. Results show differences in composite morphologies and crystalline fraction, depending on the content and the nature of the organo‐modifier. The mechanical and fracture behaviours are strongly influenced by those parameters, which act in opposite senses. The EWF method is shown to be a useful tool for the analysis of the structure–properties relationships of these composites. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry