bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polar Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Imidazolium Salts as Selective Probes for Staining Mitochondria in Two‐Photon Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Grzybowski Marek , Glodkowska‐Mrowka Eliza , Hugues Vincent , Brutkowski Wojciech , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: May 2015

Three rationally designed polar derivatives of diketopyrrolopyrrole consisting of 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium cationic units and benzene, thiophene, or furan rings as π spacers were synthesized and thoroughly studied. The obtained salts are soluble in polar organic solvents and show satisfactory solubility in water, which makes them suitable for the applications in bioimaging. Photophysical measurements revealed that the obtained derivatives are characterized by strong absorption and good fluorescence quantum yields. The corresponding two‐photon properties were also examined and showed that the synthesized salts exhibit large two‐photon absorption cross‐sections reaching 4000 GM (GM=Goeppert‐Mayer unit, 1 GM=10−50 cm4 s photon−1) and very high two‐photon brightness values exceeding 2000 GM. It was demonstrated that these salts can be safely applied in two‐photon fluorescence microscopy for selective staining of mitochondria in living cells.
Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles with Multivalent Inhibitory Effects towards Carbonic Anhydrases
Authors: Touisni Nadia , Kanfar Nasreddine , Ulrich Sébastien , Dumy Pascal , Supuran Claudiu T. , Mehdi Ahmad , Winum Jean‐Yves
Published: May 2015

Multifunctional silica nanoparticles decorated with fluorescent and sulfonamide carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors were prepared and investigated as multivalent enzyme inhibitors against the cytosolic isoforms hCA I and II and the transmembrane tumor‐associated ones hCA IX and XII. Excellent inhibitory effects were observed with these nanoparticles, with KI values in the low nanomolar range (6.2–0.67 nM) against all tested isozymes. A significant multivalency effect was seen for the inhibition of the monomeric enzymes hCA I and II compared to the dimeric hCA IX and hCA XII isoforms, where no multivalent effect was observed, suggesting that the multivalent binding is occurring through enzyme clustering.
An Improved and Efficient Process for the Preparation of (+)‐cloprostenol
Authors: Chen Yi , Yan Hui , Chen Hui‐Xuan , Weng Jiang , Lu Gui
Published: May 2015

An improved and efficient synthesis of (+)‐cloprostenol has been accomplished in nine steps and 26% overall yield from commercially available (–)‐Corey lactone 4‐phenylbenzoate alcohol 1. The present route avoids tedious purifications and requires only one column chromatography operation, which reduces the generation of waste and is suitable for large‐scale preparation. Chirality 27:392–396, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Network centrality, organizational innovation, and performance: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Zhao Jie , Li Yuan , Li Chuanjia
Published: May 2015

Based on samples from 40 studies encompassing 15,860 organizations, we use meta‐analysis methods to examine the relationships between network centrality, organizational innovation, and performance, and to predict the influence of organization size, institutional environment, and industry on these relationships. Results show that network centrality positively influences both organizational innovation and performance. In addition, findings indicate that the impact of network centrality on organizational innovation is stronger for small organizations while that on organizational performance is stronger for large organizations. The influence of network centrality on overall organizational innovation/performance is stronger for organizations in developed institutional environments as well as in knowledge‐intensive industries. Copyright © 2015 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrocardiographic Versus Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Prediction of Congestive Heart Failure in the Elderly
Authors: Almahmoud Mohamed Faher , O'Neal Wesley T. , Qureshi Waqas , Soliman Elsayed Z.
Published: May 2015

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an established risk factor for heart failure (HF) and is a component of the Framingham Heart Failure Risk Score (FHFRS). Whether LVH detected by electrocardiogram (ECG‐LVH) is equally predictive of HF as LVH detected by echocardiography (echo‐LVH) is unclear.

Hypothesis

ECG‐LVH and echo‐LVH are equally predictive of HF.

Methods

This analysis included 4543 participants (85% white; 41% male) age ≥65 years from the Cardiovascular Health Study who were free of HF at baseline. Incident HF was identified during a median follow‐up of 12 years. ECG‐LVH was defined by the Cornell criteria. Echo‐LVH was defined as left ventricular mass >95th percentile (male, >212 g; female, >175 g). Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine the association between ECG‐LVH and echo‐LVH, separately with incident HF. Harrell's concordance C‐index was calculated for the FHFRS with inclusion of ECG‐LVH and echo‐LVH, separately.

Results

At baseline, 168 participants had ECG‐LVH and 226 had echo‐LVH. A total of 1380 incident HF events occurred during follow‐up. Both ECG‐LVH and echo‐LVH were predictive of incident HF (for ECG‐LVH, hazard ratio: 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08‐1.77; for echo‐LVH, hazard ratio: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.22‐1.89). The ability of the FHFRS to predict HF was similar when ECG‐LVH (C‐index: 0.772, 95% CI: 0.726‐0.815) and echo‐LVH (C‐index: 0.772, 95% CI: 0.727‐0.814) were included into the model separately.

Conclusions

Both LVH‐ECG and echo‐LVH are equally predictive of incident HF and can be used interchangeably in HF risk‐prediction models.
Comparative Effectiveness of Medical Therapy, Supervised Exercise, and Revascularization for Patients With Intermittent Claudication: A Network Meta‐analysis
Authors: Vemulapalli Sreekanth , Dolor Rowena J. , Hasselblad Vic , Subherwal Sumeet , Schmit Kristine M. , Heidenfelder Brooke L. , Patel Manesh R. , Schuyler Jones W.
Published: May 2015

Background

There are limited data on the comparative effectiveness of medical therapy, supervised exercise, and revascularization to improve walking and quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication (IC).

Hypothesis

Supervised exercise and revascularization was superior to medical therapy in IC.

Methods

We studied the comparative effectiveness of exercise training, medications, endovascular intervention, and surgical revascularization on outcomes including functional capacity (walking distance and timing), quality of life, and mortality. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from January 1995 to August 2012 for relevant English‐language studies. Two investigators independently collected data. Meta‐analyses with random‐effects models of direct comparisons were supplemented by mixed‐treatment analyses to incorporate data from placebo comparisons, head‐to‐head comparisons, and multiple treatment arms.

Results

Thirty‐five unique studies evaluated treatment modalities in 7475 patients with IC. Compared with usual care, only exercise training improved both maximal walking distance (150 meters; 95% confidence interval: 35–266 meters, P = 0.01) and initial claudication distance (39 meters; 95% confidence interval: 9–65 meters, P = 0.003). All modalities were associated with improved quality of life (Short Form‐36 physical functioning score) compared with usual care, but there were no differences between treatments. There were insufficient safety data to assess treatment‐related complications. All‐cause mortality was not significantly different between modalities.

Conclusions

Evidence is insufficient to determine treatment superiority for improving quality of life and walking parameters in IC patients. Further studies with attention to study design, standardized efficacy and safety endpoints, and appropriate subgroup reporting are necessary to determine comparative effectiveness.
A Review of the Use of Iloprost, A Synthetic Prostacyclin, in the Prevention of Radiocontrast Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography and Intervention
Authors: Kassis Hayah M. , Minsinger Kristopher D. , McCullough Peter A. , Block Clay A. , Sidhu Mandeep S. , Brown Jeremiah R.
Published: May 2015

Iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue, has been effective in preventing renal dysfunction among transplant patients. We hypothesized that iloprost is protective against renal dysfunction in different settings, in which similar underlying mechanisms of nephrotoxicity occur. We conducted a literature review, and discuss the application of iloprost in reducing acute renal insufficiency and the pathophysiological mechanisms of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN). One proposed mechanism of CIN is prolonged renal arterial vasoconstriction, causing renal hypoperfusion, ischemia, and release of free radicals. Iloprost is an analogue of the vasodilatory prostaglandin PGI2. It has demonstrated cytoprotective properties in the renal transplant population by inhibiting lysosomal degradation and release of free radicals, allowing membrane stabilization. Two good‐quality studies reported on iloprost and CIN. Five studies reported protective effects of iloprost in renal transplantation and 1 in coronary artery bypass grafting. Iloprost was found to be renoprotective in patients with baseline renal insufficiency who underwent coronary angiography for CIN (risk ratio [RR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16‐0.67) and increases the weighted mean difference improvement in creatinine clearance (RR = 4.56, 95% CI: 1.82‐7.30). CIN is associated with major adverse cardiac events. Preventing CIN is important for patient safety and reducing disease burden. Iloprost may reduce CIN by up to 68%. The same mechanisms of iloprost that inhibit graft dysfunction in the acute post–renal transplant and cardiopulmonary bypass setting may also contribute to preventing CIN. Large randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the clinical efficacy of iloprost in the angiography setting.
Antithrombotic Regimens for Patients Taking Oral Anticoagulation After Coronary Intervention: A Meta‐analysis of 16 Clinical Trials and 9185 Patients
Authors: Gao Xiao‐Fei , Chen Yan , Fan Zhong‐Guo , Jiang Xiao‐Min , Wang Zhi‐Mei , Li Bing , Mao Wen‐Xing , Zhang Jun‐Jie , Chen Shao‐Liang
Published: May 2015

The optimal antithrombotic regimen remains controversial in patients taking oral anticoagulation (OAC) undergoing coronary stenting. This study sought to compare efficacy and safety outcomes of triple therapy (OAC, aspirin, and clopidogrel) vs dual therapy (clopidogrel with aspirin or OAC) in these patients. We hypothesize OAC plus clopidogrel could be the optimal regimen for patients with indications for OAC receiving stent implantation. Medline, the Cochrane Library, and other Internet sources were searched for clinical trials comparing the efficacy and safety of triple vs dual therapy for patients taking OAC after coronary stenting. Sixteen eligible trials including 9185 patients were identified. The risks of major adverse cardiac events (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82‐1.39, P = 0.65), all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.76‐1.27, P = 0.89), myocardial infarction (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.77‐1.31, P = 0.97), and stent thrombosis (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.49‐1.69, P = 0.75) were similar between triple and dual therapy. Compared with dual therapy, triple therapy was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35‐0.94, P = 0.03) but with higher major bleeding (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.11‐2.10, P = 0.01) and minor bleeding (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.05‐2.42, P = 0.03). Subgroup analysis indicated there were similar ischemic stroke and major bleeding outcomes between triple therapy and therapy with OAC plus clopidogrel. Treatment with OAC and clopidogrel was associated with similar efficacy and safety outcomes compared with triple therapy. Triple therapy could be replaced by OAC plus clopidogrel without any concern about additional risk of thrombotic events.
The effect of oncologists' exercise recommendations on the level of exercise and quality of life in survivors of breast and colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Ji‐Hye , Lee Junga , Oh Minsuk , Park Hyuna , Chae Jisuk , Kim Dong‐Il , Lee Mi Kyung , Yoon Yong Jin , Lee Chul Won , Park Seho , Jones Lee W. , Kim Nam Kyu , Kim Seung Il , Jeon Justin Y.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of an oncologist's exercise recommendation with and without an exercise motivation package on the amount of exercise participation and quality of life (QOL) in survivors of breast and colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 162 survivors of early‐stage breast and colorectal cancer who completed primary and adjuvant treatments were recruited for the current study. Participants were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 groups: 1) control (59 patients); 2) those receiving an oncologist's exercise recommendation (53 patients); and 3) those receiving an oncologist's exercise recommendation with an exercise motivation package (50 patients). At baseline and after 4 weeks, the level of exercise participation and QOL were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 162 participants, 130 (80.2%) completed the trial. Intention‐to‐treat analysis indicated that participants who received an oncologist's exercise recommendation with an exercise motivation package significantly increased their level of exercise participation in terms of minutes (47.57 added minutes per week; 95% confidence interval, 9.62‐85.52 minutes [P =.022] vs control) and in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)‐hours per week (4.14 additional MET‐hours per week; 95% confidence interval, 1.70‐6.58 MET‐hours [P =.004] vs control) compared with the control group. Participants who received only their oncologist's exercise recommendation did not increase their exercise participation level. Further analysis demonstrated that role functioning was significantly improved among participants who received an oncologist's exercise recommendation with an exercise motivation package.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing an exercise motivation package in addition to the oncologist's exercise recommendation to increase the level of exercise among survivors of breast and colorectal cancer should be considered. Cancer 2015;121:2740‐2748. © 2015 American Cancer Society
Note calibrating low‐scattering samples using Kubelka–Munk model
Authors: Brill Michael H. , Li Ya Qi
Published: May 2015

Two calculation forms are presented for calibrating a Kubelka–Munk (KM) translucent layer using white and black backgrounds. The equations, derived from the hyperbolic and exponential forms of the KM equations and replacing variables a and b with c = S/K and d = bc, give results identical to the usual method, but avoid near‐zero divisions in the low‐scattering limit. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 399–401, 2016
Simultaneous generation and correlation of complete sets of generalized pairwise complementary sequences
Authors: Hadad Matías N. , Funes Marcos A. , Donato Patricio G. , García Enrique , Ureña Jesús , Carrica Daniel
Published: May 2015

New coding schemes are increasingly being developed to adapt multisensor and communication systems to the requirements of the current technological environment. In some cases, the practical implementation of these schemes involves a great amount of signal processing operations. In order to achieve and make suitable their use in different platforms, efficient algorithms are required to process coding. In the last years, a new kind of complementary sequences, known as Generalized Pairwise Complementary sequences, has been proposed. These sequences provide high noise immunity when they are applied to multiuser systems, as well as a low cross‐correlation, which is convenient in those applications. The aim of this paper is to propose optimized generation and correlation architectures for Generalized Pairwise Complementary sequences that would allow to process a complete set using a reduced amount of operations. An analytical demonstration is provided, with a final comparison to evaluate the reduction with regard to other algorithms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid Capture 2 human papillomavirus testing of fine needle aspiration cytology of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Hakima Laleh , Adler Esther , Prystowsky Michael , Schiff Bradley , Schlecht Nicolas , Fox Amy , Suhrland Mark , Khader Samer N.
Published: May 2015

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for 25% of HNSCCs and frequently presents with neck lymph node metastases. We investigated utilizing cytology needle rinse material for HPV DNA testing by Hybrid Capture 2 molecular testing (HC2) as an alternative to p16 immunohistochemistry.

Methods

Twenty‐two cases of HNSCC presenting with neck lymph node metastasis were prospectively identified by assessment of Diff Quik stained cytology smears. An aliquot of the needle rinse material from the lymph node was analyzed for HPV status using standard HC2 protocol. P16 status was determined with immunohistochemistry on the cell block and/or surgically obtained tumor.

Results

The mean age of patients with p16 negative HNSCC was 7 years older than p16 positive disease (Table ). Primary tumor subsites were as follows: 17 oropharynx, 1 hypophayrnx, 3 larynx, and 1 oral cavity (Table ). All ten p16 negative patients had a history of smoking compared with 33% of p16 positive. Only 3 (25%) of p16 positive tumors demonstrated keratinization, whereas 90% of the p16 negative tumors keratinized (Fig. 1). Twelve of 22 HNSCC cases (55%) were p16 positive, of which 7 (58%) tested positive for HPV by HC2. Ten cases (45%) were negative for p16, all of which were negative for HPV by HC2 (Table ).

Conclusion

Molecular testing for HPV using HC2 on needle rinse material of FNA of HNSCC is a useful method of determining HPV status in HNSCC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:683–687. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transgenic plants as a sustainable, terrestrial source of fish oils
Authors: Napier Johnathan A. , Usher Sarah , Haslam Richard P. , Ruiz‐Lopez Noemi , Sayanova Olga
Published: May 2015

An alternative, sustainable source of omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is widely recognized as desirable, helping to reduce pressure on current sources (wild capture fisheries) and providing a de novo source of these health beneficial fatty acids. This review will consider the efforts and progress to develop transgenic plants as terrestrial sources of omega‐3 fish oils, focusing on recent developments and the possible explanations for advances in the field. We also consider the utility of such a source for use in aquaculture, since this industry is the major consumer of oceanic supplies of omega‐3 fish oils. Given the importance of the aquaculture industry in meeting global requirements for healthy foodstuffs, an alternative source of omega‐3 fish oils represents a potentially significant breakthrough for this production system.

Transgenic Camelina seeds engineered to accumulate the omega‐3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, represent a sustainable alternative to fish oils.
Synthesis of two new arsenolipids and their identification in fish
Authors: Arroyo‐Abad Uriel , Hu Zehan , Findeisen Matthias , Pfeifer Dietmar , Mattusch Jürgen , Reemtsma Thorsten , Piechotta Christian
Published: May 2015

Arsenolipids (AsL) of the type arsenic‐containing fatty acids (AsFA) and hydrocarbons (AsHC) are natural organoarsenic compounds present in high abundance in seafood. Since little is known about their toxicity, there is a significant concern about their health risk. Here we report the synthesis of two new AsL and their identification in fish by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled simultaneously to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and to high resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS). The molecular structure was elucidated on the basis of their exact mass and their product ion mass spectra. One of the synthesized AsL has been already identified in fish samples, meanwhile, the other arsenolipid is reported here as a natural product in fish.

Practical applications: The synthesized AsL can be used as analytical standards to confirm the identification of AsL in different biological samples and to optimize analytical methods for their determination by liquid chromatography coupled simultaneously to ICP‐MS and HR‐MS. The material can be further used for toxicity testing of AsL and to study their uptake, bioavailability, and biotransformation.

We report the synthesis of two new arsenolipids and their identification in fish by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled simultaneously to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and to high resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS). One of the synthesized arsenolipid has been already identified in fish samples, meanwhile, the other arsenolipid is reported for the first time here as a natural product in fish.
Characterization of the distribution of rotational torque on electrorotation chips with 3D electrodes
Authors: Bahrieh Garsha , Özgür Ebru , Koyuncuoğlu Aziz , Erdem Murat , Gündüz Ufuk , Külah Haluk
Published: May 2015

This is a study of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane distribution of rotational torque (ROT‐T) and effective electric field (EEF) on electrorotation (ER) devices with 3D electrodes using finite element modeling (FEM) and experimental method. The objective of this study is to investigate electrical characteristics of the ER devices with five different electrode geometries and obtain an optimum structure for ER experiments. Further, it provides a comparison between characteristics of the 3D electrodes and traditionally used 2D electrodes. 3D distributions of EEF were studied by the time‐variant FEM. FEM results were verified experimentally by studying the rotation of biological cells. The results show that the variations of ROT‐T and EEF over the measurement area of the devices are considerably large. This can potentially lead to misinterpretation of recorded data. Therefore, it is essential to specify the boundaries of the measurement area with minimum deviation from the central EEF. For this purpose, FE analyses were utilized to specify the optimal region. Thereby, with confining the measurements to these regions, the dependency of ROT‐T on the spatial position of the particles can be eliminated. Comparisons have been made on the sustainability of the EEF and ROT‐T distributions for each device, to find an optimum design. Analyses of the devices prove that utilization of the 3D electrodes eliminate irregularities of EEF and ROT‐T along the z‐axis. The Results show that triangular electrodes provide the highest sustainability for the in‐plane ROT‐T and EEF distribution, while the oblate elliptical and circular electrodes have the lowest variances along the z‐axis.
Solid phase extraction methodology for UPLC‐MS based metabolic profiling of urine samples
Authors: Michopoulos Filippos , Gika Helen , Palachanis Dimitrios , Theodoridis Georgios , Wilson Ian D.
Published: May 2015

In general, when performing untargeted metabolic phenotyping (metabolomics/metabonomics) studies on biological samples for example urine or food, sample preparation should be kept to a minimum. However, there are circumstances when desalting, preconcentration, or the fractionation of samples into polar and nonpolar metabolites is of value for enabling the subsequent analysis. Because of its simplicity and ease of automation SPE is well suited to such applications prior to analysis by ultra‐performance LC‐TOF‐MS. In the present study, the properties of a range of SPE phases have been investigated with respect to the range of metabolites that can be extracted from urine. The phases include alkyl modified (C8 and, C18‐OH and C18) silica and polymeric materials. The results show that the C18 phase was well suited to fractionating urine into samples suitable for separate analysis of polar and nonpolar constituents via HILIC and RPLC, respectively, while the polymeric materials were best for concentrating and desalting samples.
Removal of sulphur black dye from its aqueous solution using alginate from Sargassum sp. (Brown algae) as a coagulant
Authors: Vijayaraghavan G. , Shanthakumar S.
Published: May 2015

This study deals with the coagulation potential of alginate extracted from marine algae Sargassum sp. for the removal of sulphur black dye from its aqueous solution. The alginate extraction was found to be efficient (44.8%) and the extracted alginate was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy techniques. Batch experiments (coagulation test) were performed to investigate the effect of alginate dose (10‐60 mg/L), calcium dose (1‐6 g/L) and initial dye concentration (50‐250 mg/L) on dye removal. The maximum dye removal (98.2%) was achieved under the optimal conditions of the initial dye concentration 200 mg/L, Calcium dose 6 g/L, and alginate dose 30 mg/L. The kinetics study for the coagulation process was carried out and found that it suitably fits in second‐order kinetics model. The literature on application of algal alginate for various wastewater treatment methods were compared with the present study and the results obtained revealed that the alginate from Sargassum sp. can be used as an efficient coagulant for the removal of sulphur black dye. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1427–1434, 2015
Improvement of the /Taguchi/ design optimization using artificial intelligence in three acid azo dyes removal by electrocoagulation
Authors: Taheri Mahsa , Moghaddam Mohammad Reza Alavi , Arami Mokhtar
Published: May 2015

The aim of this research is improvement of the Taguchi design optimization using artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) in Acid Orange 7, Acid Brown 14, and Acid Red 18 azo dyes removal by electrocoagulation. For this purpose, 27 tests were undertaken for investigation of five parameters including current density, reaction time, initial dye concentration, dye type, and initial pH by using Taguchi's orthogonal array. Additionally, according to analysis of variance, dye type and reaction time were the most important parameters for responses of dye removal efficiency and operating costs in Taguchi design, respectively. Prediction and modeling of the dye removal efficiency response were also accomplished by ANN. High R2 values (≥97%) indicated that the accuracy of the Taguchi and ANN models are acceptable. In addition, ANN was used in GA for finding the best elimination conditions for the selected dyes according to the Taguchi design. Dye removal efficiencies of 96.79%, 98.12%, and 76.47% were reported for Acid Orange 7, Acid Brown 14, and Acid Red 18, respectively, in the ANN model at the best elimination conditions. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1568–1575, 2015
Enhanced adsorptive removal of a model acid dye bromothymol blue from aqueous solution using magnetic chitosan‐bamboo sawdust composite: Batch and column studies
Authors: Khan Tabrez A. , Nazir Momina
Published: May 2015

The removal of an acid dye bromothymol blue (BTB) from aqueous solution using Fe2O3/chitosan‐bamboo sawdust (FeCBSD) composite was studied. Isotherm modeling indicated that the data best followed Langmuir isotherm, with adsorption capacity (qm) of 217.39 mg/g at a contact time of 30 min and an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g/L. In column studies, the data fitted well into the Thomas model with an adsorption capacity of 225.13 mg/g at a flow rate of 20 mL/min and a bed height of 5 cm. The breakthrough capacity, breakthrough time and exhaustion time decreased with the increasing flow rate. The adsorption process followed pseudo‐second order kinetics, which was controlled by both liquid‐film and intra‐particle diffusion mechanisms. The negative values of ΔGo (7.24–10.94 kJ/mol), positive values of ΔHo (41.27–109.13 kJ/mol) and ΔSo (0.15–0.38 J/mol/K) indicated spontaneity, endothermic nature and an increased randomness at solid‐solution interface, respectively. The results indicated that the FeCBSD effectively removed BTB from wastewater, which may be magnetically recovered. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1444–1454, 2015
Kriging metamodeling in seismic risk assessment based on stochastic ground motion models
Authors: Gidaris Ioannis , Taflanidis Alexandros A. , Mavroeidis George P.
Published: May 2015

An efficient computational framework is presented for seismic risk assessment within a modeling approach that utilizes stochastic ground motion models to describe the seismic hazard. The framework is based on the use of a kriging surrogate model (metamodel) to provide an approximate relationship between the structural response and the structural and ground motion parameters that are considered as uncertain. The stochastic character of the excitation is addressed by assuming that under the influence of the white noise (used within the ground motion model) the response follows a lognormal distribution. Once the surrogate model is established, a task that involves the formulation of an initial database to inform the metamodel development, it is then directly used for all response evaluations required to estimate seismic risk. The model prediction error stemming from the metamodel is directly incorporated within the seismic risk quantification and assessment, whereas an adaptive approach is developed to refine the database that informs the metamodel development. The ability to efficiently obtain derivative information through the kriging metamodel and its utility for various tasks within the probabilistic seismic risk assessment is also discussed. As an illustrative example, the assessment of seismic risk for a benchmark four‐story concrete office building is presented. The potential that ground motions include near‐fault characteristics is explicitly addressed within the context of this example. The implementation of the framework for the same structure equipped with fluid viscous dampers is also demonstrated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective use of seismic response envelopes for reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Sessa Salvatore , Marmo Francesco , Rosati Luciano
Published: May 2015

By exploiting the theory of the response envelopes formulated by Menun and Der Kiureghian [Envelopes for seismic response vectors. I–Theory, J. Str. Engrg. 2000; 126(3); 467–473], an algorithmic approach for seismic analysis of reinforced concrete frames is presented. It aims to fill a gap between research on spectral analysis of structures and current design practice in which the use of seismic response envelopes, available since early 2000s, is hampered by the lack of efficient and robust implementations. The proposed strategy is based on customary features (such as modal shapes and response spectra) currently adopted in professional practice, and it takes advantage of recently published formulations for the evaluation of stress resultants in arbitrarily shaped reinforced concrete cross‐sections subjected to axial force and biaxial bending. Numerical applications are illustrated in order to show the procedure's efficiency and effectiveness. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interplay between transcriptional control and chromatin regulation in the oligodendrocyte lineage
Authors: Hernandez Marylens , Casaccia Patrizia
Published: May 2015

The recent years have been characterized by a surge of studies on the role of transcription factors and histone modifications in regulating the progression of progenitors into oligodendrocytes. This review summarizes this body of evidence and presents an integrated view of transcriptional networks and epigenetic regulators defining proliferating progenitors and their differentiation along the oligodendrocyte lineage. We suggest that transcription factors in proliferating progenitors have direct access to DNA, due to predominantly euchromatic nuclei. As progenitors differentiate, however, transcriptional competence is modulated by the formation of heterochromatin, which modifies the association of DNA with nucleosomal histones and renders the access of transcription factors dependent on the activity of epigenetic modulators. These concepts are delineated within the context of development, and the potential functional implications are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. GLIA 2015;63:1357–1375
Astrocyte development: A Guide for the Perplexed
Authors: Molofsky Anna Victoria , Deneen Benjamin
Published: May 2015

Astrocytes are the predominant cell type in the brain and perform key functions vital to CNS physiology, including blood brain barrier formation and maintenance, synaptogenesis, neurotransmission, and metabolic regulation. To fully understand the contributions of astrocytes to brain function, it will be important to bridge the existing gap between development and physiology. In this review, we provide an overview of Astrocyte development, including recent insights into molecular mechanisms of astrocyte specification, regional patterning and proliferation. This developmental perspective is complemented with recent findings that describe the functional maturation of astrocytes and their prospective diversity. Future progress in understanding Astrocyte development will depend on the development of astrocyte‐ stage specific markers and tools for manipulating astrocytes without affecting neuron production. Ultimately, a mechanistic approach to Astrocyte development will be crucial to developing new treatments for the many neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, neuroimmune, and neoplastic diseases involving astrocyte dysfunction. GLIA 2015;63:1320–1329
Determinants of Regional Variation in Health Expenditures in Germany
Authors: Göpffarth Dirk , Kopetsch Thomas , Schmitz Hendrik
Published: May 2015

Health care expenditure in Germany shows clear regional differences. Such geographic variations are often seen as an indicator for inefficiency. With its homogeneous health care system, low co‐payments and uniform prices, Germany is a particularly suited example to analyse regional variations. We use data for the year 2011 on expenditure, utilization of health services and state of health in Germany's statutory health insurance system. This data, which originate from a variety of administrative sources and cover about 90% of the population, are enriched with a wealth of socio‐economic variables, data on pollutants, prices and individual preferences. State of health and demography explains 55% of the differences as measured by the standard deviation while all control variables account for a total of 72% of the differences at county level. With other measures of variation, we can account for an even greater proportion. A higher proportion of variation than usually supposed can thus be explained. Whilst this study cannot quantify inefficiencies, our results contradict the thesis that regional variations reflect inefficiency. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Head and neck second primary cancer rates in the human papillomavirus era: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Diaz Dayssy Alexandra , Reis Isildinha M. , Weed Donald T. , Elsayyad Nagy , Samuels Michael , Abramowitz Matthew C.
Published: May 2015

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer are at high risk for second primary malignancies. Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐driven tumors are generally high‐grade oropharyngeal cancers. We analyzed the incidence of second primary malignancy of the head and neck in patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck and temporal trends in the HPV era.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for patients with SCC of the head and neck (range, 1973–2008). Cumulative incidence rates of second primary malignancy of the head and neck were compared based on competing risk analysis.

Results

A total of 104,639 cases were included in this study, of which 4616 patients had second primary malignancy of the head and neck. Oropharyngeal cancer incidence increased over time. Estimated incidence rate/10,000 person‐years (105.5, 80.6, and 50.2 for 1973–1989, 1990–1999, and 2000–2008, respectively) and cumulative incidence rates (10‐year rates of 6.68%, 5.72%, and 4.59% for 1973–1989, 1990–1999, and 2000–2008, respectively) of second primary malignancies of the head and neck for patients with oropharyngeal cancer decreased over time (p < .001). The second primary malignancy of the head and neck incidence rate was significantly lower in patients with high‐grade oropharyngeal cancer from 2000 to 2008 (30.3 vs 65.5 and 54.6 from 1973–1989 and 1990–1999, respectively; p < .001).

Conclusion

The incidence of second primary malignancy of the head and neck in patients with head and neck cancer has decreased over time. This is driven by lower rates in patients with high‐grade oropharyngeal cancer, is temporally related with increases in HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancer, and suggests that incidence rates of second primary malignancy of the head and neck may be lower for HPV‐associated cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E873–E883, 2016
Effect of a second primary thyroid carcinoma on patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tolisano Anthony M. , Klem Christopher , Lustik Michael B. , Sniezek Joseph C. , Golden J. Blake
Published: May 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to characterize the timing, histology, and behavior of second primary thyroid carcinoma (SPTC) developing after a diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 9 database.

Results

Patients with HNSCC who develop SPTC die 1.6 times sooner than those without SPTC. This effect is only seen if SPTC presents >6 months after diagnosis of HNSCC. Models were adjusted for age, sex, year of diagnosis, and location of HNSCC. There was no effect of prior radiation therapy on either mortality rates or time to development of thyroid cancer in patients with SPTC. The type of thyroid carcinoma that developed was similar between cohorts.

Conclusion

The development of SPTC in patients with HNSCC results in decreased overall length of survival. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E890–E894, 2016
Lipid droplets formation in human endothelial cells in response to polyunsaturated fatty acids and 1‐methyl‐nicotinamide (MNA); confocal Raman imaging and fluorescence microscopy studies
Authors: Majzner Katarzyna , Chlopicki Stefan , Baranska Malgorzata
Published: May 2015

In this work the formation of lipid droplets (LDs) in human endothelial cells culture in response to the uptake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was studied. Additionally, an effect of 1‐methylnicotinamide (MNA) on the process of LDs formation was investigated. LDs have been previously described structurally and to some degree biochemically, however neither the precise function of LDs nor the factors responsible for LD induction have been clarified. Lipid droplets, sometimes referred in the literature as lipid bodies are organelles known to regulate neutrophil, eosinophil, or tumor cell functions but their presence and function in the endothelium is largely unexplored. 3D linear Raman spectroscopy was used to study LDs formation in vitro in a single endothelial cell. The method provides information about distribution and size of LDs as well as their composition. The incubation of endothelial cells with various PUFAs resulted in formation of LDs. As a complementary method for LDs identification a fluorescence microscopy was applied. Fluorescence measurements confirmed the Raman results suggesting endothelial cells uptake of PUFAs and subsequent LDs formation in the cytoplasm of the endothelium. Furthermore, MNA seem to potentiate intracellular uptake of PUFAs to the endothelium that may bear physiological and pharmacological significance.

Confocal Raman imaging of HAoEC cell with LDs.

magnified image

Confocal Raman imaging of HAoEC cell with LDs.
Controlled release of simvastatin‐loaded thermo‐sensitive PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA hydrogel for bone tissue regeneration: in vitro and in vivo characteristics
Authors: Yan Qi , Xiao Li‐Qun , Tan Lei , Sun Wei , Wu Tao , Chen Liang‐Wen , Mei Yan , Shi Bin
Published: May 2015

Reports on the local delivery of drug loaded injectable hydrogels for bone regeneration are currently limited. This study assessed the effect of controlled simvastatin (SIM) release from a thermo‐sensitive hydrogel in vitro and in vivo. We successfully manufactured and evaluated thermo‐sensitive poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) triblock copolymers (PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA) loaded with SIM. The osteogenic effect of this hydrogel was tested in vitro and in vivo. MC‐3T3 E1 cells proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation was analyzed after cultivation with the hydrogel extracts. Cells co‐cultured with SIM/PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA extracts showed an increase in mineralization and osteogenic gene expression compared to the other two groups. Additionally, the characteristics of this composite in vivo were demonstrated using a rat bone defect model. The bone defects injected with SIM/PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA hydrogel showed increased new bone formation compared to samples treated with PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA and control samples. The results of this study suggest that SIM/PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA might provide potential therapeutic value for bone healing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3580–3589, 2015.
Scaffolds with shape memory behavior for the treatment of large bone defects
Authors: Rychter Piotr , Pamula Elzbieta , Orchel Arkadiusz , Posadowska Urszula , Krok‐Borkowicz Małgorzata , Kaps Anna , Smigiel‐Gac Natalia , Smola Anna , Kasperczyk Janusz , Prochwicz Wojciech , Dobrzynski Piotr
Published: May 2015

The aim of the presented study was preparation, analysis of properties, and in vitro characterization of porous shape‐memory scaffolds, designed for large bone defects treatment using minimally invasive surgery approach. Biodegradable terpolymers of l‐lactide/glycolide/trimethylene carbonate (LA/GL/TMC) and l‐lactide/glycolide/ε‐caprolactone (LA/GL/Cap) were selected for formulation of these scaffolds. Basic parameters of shape memory behavior (i.e. recovery ratio, recovery time) and changes in morphology (SEM, average porosity) and properties (surface topography, water contact angle, compressive strength) during shape memory cycle were characterized. The scaffolds preserved good mechanical properties (compressive strength about 0.7 to 0.9 MPa) and high porosity (more than 80%) both in initial shape as well as after return from compressed shape. Then the scaffolds in temporary shape were inserted into the model defect of bone tissue at 37°C. After 12 min the defect was filled completely as a result of shape recovery process induced by body temperature. The scaffold obtained from LA/GL/TMC terpolymer was found the most prospective for the planned application thanks to its appropriate recovery time, high recovery ratio (more than 90%), and cytocompatibility in contact with human osteoblasts and chondrocytes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3503–3515, 2015.
Biological responses of preosteoblasts to particulate and ion forms ofCo‐Cr alloy
Authors: Yang Shuye , Zhang Kai , Li Fangfang , Jiang Jianhao , Jia Tanghong , Yang Shang‐You
Published: May 2015

This study compared the particulate and ion forms of a cobalt‐chrome (Co‐Cr) alloy on the differentiation/activation of preosteoblasts. Mouse preosteoblasts (MC3T3‐E1) were cultured in an osteoblast‐induction medium in the presence of particulate and ion forms of a Co‐Cr alloy, followed by cell proliferation and cytotoxicity evaluations. The maturation and function of osteoblasts were assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and related gene expressions. Both particulate and ion forms of the metals significantly reduced the proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, cells challenged with high concentrations of particles and ions exhibited a marked cytotoxic effect and diminished expression of ALP. Real‐time (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) data have suggested that cells with Co‐Cr particles dramatically promoted over‐expression of monocyte chemo‐attractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), whereas Co2+ions treatment predominately up‐regulated expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL), nuclear factor of activated T‐cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), and down‐regulated expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Osterix (Osx). Overall, this study provides evidence that both Co‐Cr alloy particles and metal ions interfered with the MC3T3‐E1 cells for their growth, maturation, and functions. Further, Co‐Cr particles exhibited stronger effects on inflammatory mediators, while metal ions showed more influence on inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and promotion of osteoclastogenesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3564–3571, 2015.
BMP2 Regulation of CXCL12 Cellular, Temporal, and Spatial Expression Is Essential During Fracture Repair
Authors: Myers Timothy J , Longobardi Lara , Willcockson Helen , Temple Joseph D , Tagliafierro Lidia , Ye Ping , Li Tieshi , Esposito Alessandra , Moats-Staats Billie M , Spagnoli Anna
Published: May 2015

The cellular and humoral responses that orchestrate fracture healing are still elusive. Here we report that bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2)-dependent fracture healing occurs through a tight control of chemokine C-X-C motif-ligand-12 (CXCL12) cellular, spatial, and temporal expression. We found that the fracture repair process elicited an early site-specific response of CXCL12+-BMP2+ endosteal cells and osteocytes that was not present in unfractured bones and gradually decreased as healing progressed. Absence of a full complement of BMP2 in mesenchyme osteoprogenitors (BMP2cKO/+) prevented healing and led to a dysregulated temporal and cellular upregulation of CXCL12 expression associated with a deranged angiogenic response. Healing was rescued when BMP2cKO/+ mice were systemically treated with AMD3100, an antagonist of CXCR4 and agonist for CXCR7 both receptors for CXCL12. We further found that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), capable of delivering BMP2 at the endosteal site, restored fracture healing when transplanted into BMP2cKO/+ mice by rectifying the CXCL12 expression pattern. Our in vitro studies showed that in isolated endosteal cells, BMP2, while inducing osteoblastic differentiation, stimulated expression of pericyte markers that was coupled with a decrease in CXCL12. Furthermore, in isolated BMP2cKO/cKO endosteal cells, high expression levels of CXCL12 inhibited osteoblastic differentiation that was restored by AMD3100 treatment or coculture with BMP2-expressing MSCs that led to an upregulation of pericyte markers while decreasing platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM). Taken together, our studies show that following fracture, a CXCL12+-BMP2+ perivascular cell population is recruited along the endosteum, then a timely increase of BMP2 leads to downregulation of CXCL12 that is essential to determine the fate of the CXCL12+-BMP2+ to osteogenesis while departing their supportive role to angiogenesis. Our findings have far-reaching implications for understanding mechanisms regulating the selective recruitment of distinct cells into the repairing niches and the development of novel pharmacological (by targeting BMP2/CXCL12) and cellular (MSCs, endosteal cells) interventions to promote fracture healing. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.