bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First‐line combination of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and L‐asparaginase (GELOX) followed by involved‐field radiation therapy for patients with stage IE/IIE extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Zhi‐hui , Chen Xiao‐qin , Li Ya‐jun , Wang Ke‐feng , Xia Yun‐fei , Xia Zhong‐jun
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

Extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is a distinct subtype of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in which the upper aerodigestive tract is the most commonly involved site. To date, optimal treatment strategies and prognosis for patients with ENKTL have not been fully defined.

METHODS:

This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of first‐line combined gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and L‐asparaginase (GELOX) followed by involved‐field radiation therapy for patients with stage IE/IIE ENKTL. The primary endpoints were the complete response rate, the objective response rate, and toxicities. Secondary endpoints were overall survival and progression‐free survival.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐seven patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL were enrolled and completed the entire course of treatment. At the end of treatment, the overall response rate was 96.3%, including 20 patients (74.1%) who attained a complete response and 6 patients (22.2%) who attained a partial response. No patients developed disease progression during therapy. Grade 1 and 2 toxicities were frequent during GELOX, but grade 3 and 4 toxicities were few, and no treatment‐related deaths occurred. At a median follow‐up of 27.37 months, 7 patients (25.9%) experienced disease progression, and 4 of those patients died of disease. The rates of 2‐year overall and progression‐free survival were both 86%, and patients who attained a complete response at the end of treatment had significantly longer progression‐free survival (P = .012) and overall survival (P = .021) than patients who did not attain a complete response.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that GELOX followed by involved‐field radiation therapy can be an effective and feasible treatment strategy for patients with stage IE/IIE ENKTL of the upper aerodigestive tract. These results will require further investigation in larger prospective trials. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Interrater agreement of anal cytology
Authors: Darragh Teresa M. , Tokugawa Diane , Castle Philip E. , Follansbee Stephen , Borgonovo Sylvia , LaMere Brandon J. , Schwartz Lauren , Gage Julia C. , Fetterman Barbara , Lorey Thomas , Wentzensen Nicolas
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

The majority of anal cancers are caused by persistent infections with carcinogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV). Similar to cervical carcinogenesis, the progression from HPV infection to anal cancer occurs through precancerous lesions that can be treated to prevent invasion. In analogy to cervical cytology, anal cytology has been proposed as a screening tool for anal cancer precursors in high‐risk populations.

METHODS:

The authors analyzed the interobserver reproducibility of anal cytology in a population of 363 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) specimens were collected in the anal dysplasia clinic before the performance of high‐resolution anoscopy on all patients. Papanicolaou‐stained LBC slides were evaluated by 2 cytopathologists, each of whom was blinded to the clinical outcome and the other pathologist's results, using the revised Bethesda terminology.

RESULTS:

Overall agreement between the 2 observers was 66% (kappa, 0.54; linear‐weighted kappa, 0.69). Using dichotomizing cytology results (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASC‐US] or worse vs less than ASC‐US), the agreement increased to 86% (kappa, 0.69). An increasing likelihood of testing positive for markers associated with HPV‐related transformation, p16/Ki‐67, and HPV oncogene messenger RNA was observed, with increasing severity of cytology results noted both for individual cytologists and for consensus cytology interpretation (P value for trend [ptrend] < .0001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS:

Moderate to good agreement was observed between 2 cytopathologists evaluating anal cytology samples collected from HIV‐positive MSM. A higher severity of anal cytology was associated with biomarkers of anal precancerous lesions. Anal cytology may be used for anal cancer screening in high‐risk populations, and biomarkers of HPV‐related transformation can serve as quality control for anal cytology. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013. Published 2012 by the American Cancer Society.
Differential roles of ventral pallidum subregions during cocaine self‐administration behaviors
Authors: Root David H. , Ma Sisi , Barker David J. , Megehee Laura , Striano Brendan M. , Ralston Carla M. , Fabbricatore Anthony T. , West Mark O.
Published: July 2012

The ventral pallidum (VP) is necessary for drug‐seeking behavior. VP contains ventromedial (VPvm) and dorsolateral (VPdl) subregions, which receive projections from the nucleus accumbens shell and core, respectively. To date no study has investigated the behavioral functions of the VPdl and VPvm subregions. To address this issue, we investigated whether changes in firing rate (FR) differed between VP subregions during four events: approaching toward, responding on, or retreating away from a cocaine‐reinforced operandum and a cocaine‐associated cue. Baseline FR and waveform characteristics did not differ between subregions. VPdl neurons exhibited a greater change in FR compared with VPvm neurons during approaches toward, as well as responses on, the cocaine‐reinforced operandum. VPdl neurons were more likely to exhibit a similar change in FR (direction and magnitude) during approach and response than VPvm neurons. In contrast, VPvm firing patterns were heterogeneous, changing FRs during approach or response alone, or both. VP neurons did not discriminate cued behaviors from uncued behaviors. No differences were found between subregions during the retreat, and no VP neurons exhibited patterned changes in FR in response to the cocaine‐associated cue. The stronger, sustained FR changes of VPdl neurons during approach and response may implicate VPdl in the processing of drug‐seeking and drug‐taking behavior via projections to subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata. In contrast, the heterogeneous firing patterns of VPvm neurons may implicate VPvm in facilitating mesocortical structures with information related to the sequence of behaviors predicting cocaine self‐infusions via projections to mediodorsal thalamus and ventral tegmental area. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:558–588, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Object color preferences
Authors: Schloss Karen B. , Strauss Eli D. , Palmer Stephen E.
Published: July 2012

In this article, we investigate how context influences color preferences by comparing preferences for “contextless” colored squares with preferences for colors of a variety of objects (e.g., walls, couches, and T‐shirts). In experiment 1, we find that hue preferences for contextless squares generalize relatively well to hue preferences for imagined objects, with the substantial differences being in the saturation and lightness dimensions. In experiments 2 and 3, we find that object color preferences are relatively invariant when the objects are (a) imagined to be the color that is presented as a small square, (b) depicted as colored images of objects, and (c) viewed as actual physical objects. In experiment 4, we investigate the possibility that object color preferences are related to the degree to which colors help objects fulfill particular functions or outcomes. We also discuss relations between our results and previous theories of color preference. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 38, 393–411, 2013
Sensitisation of the Near‐Infrared Emission of NdIII from the Singlet State of Porphyrins Bearing Four 8‐Hydroxyquinolinylamide Chelates
Authors: Guenet Aurélie , Eckes Fabrice , Bulach Véronique , Strassert Cristian A. , De Cola Luisa , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: July 2012

The α4 atropoisomer of a tetraaryl porphyrin and its PdII complex, both bearing four hydroxyquinolinyl chelating units pre‐organised on the same face of the porphyrin backbone, bind a NdIII centre thus affording either a mononuclear or a heterobinuclear anionic species, respectively. The near‐infrared emission of the lanthanide centred at 1064 nm is observed upon excitation of the Soret band at 425 nm. Sensitisation proceeds mainly from the singlet state of the porphyrin.
Rational Design for Building Blocks of DNA‐Based Conductive Nanowires through Multi‐Copper Incorporation into Mismatched Base Pairs
Authors: Zhao Jing , Han Li , Yang Hongfang , Liu Jinxiang , Bu Yuxiang
Published: July 2012

Metal‐modified DNA base pairs, which possess potential electrical conductivity and can serve as conductive nanomaterials, have recently attracted much attention. Inspired by our recent finding that multicopper incorporation into natural DNA base pairs could improve the electronic properties of base pairs, herein, we designed two novel multi‐copper‐mediated mismatched base pairs (G3CuT and A2CuC), and examined their structural and electronic properties by means of density functional theory calculations. The results reveal that these multi‐Cu‐mediated mismatched base pairs still have planar geometries that are thermodynamically favorable to stability, and their binding energies are close to those of multi‐Cu‐mediated normal base pairs (G3CuC and A2CuT). Their HOMO–LUMO gaps and ionization potentials decrease significantly compared to the corresponding natural base pairs. As evidenced by the charge transfer excitation transitions, transverse electronic communication of G3CuT and A2CuC is remarkably enhanced, suggesting that they facilitate electron migration along the DNA wires upon incorporation. Further examinations also clarify the possibility to build promising DNA helices using the G3CuT and/or A2CuC base pairs. The calculated electronic properties of the three‐layer‐stacked multi‐Cu‐mediated mismatched base pairs illustrate that the Cum‐DNA have better conductivity. This work provides perspectives for the development and application of DNA nanowires.
Corporate Responsibility and Strategic Groups in the Forest‐based Industry: Exploratory Analysis based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Framework
Authors: Toppinen Anne , Li Ning , Tuppura Anni , Xiong Ying
Published: July 2012

A growing number of large forest industry companies have declared voluntary adoption of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines to avoid the lack of verification in reporting and to alleviate current criticisms of corporate responsibility (CR) practices. In this study, we use quantitative multivariate analysis of CR disclosure data (GRI indicators) from 66 forest industry firms. The results from cluster analysis show that 58% of the major companies in forest‐based industries are following what could be called a relatively defensive approach to CR, while companies proactive towards CR represent only a minority of the sample (18%), and one‐quarter of the companies could be classified as being ‘stuck‐in‐the‐middle’ in terms of CR. CR practices are found to run parallel to and beyond core business activities, number of employees, sales, and production in these three strategic groups. However, no strategic group level differences in terms of the location of headquarters or financial performance were found. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Analysis and implementation of a fourth‐order bandpass filter for R‐wave detection of an implantable cardiac microstimulator
Authors: Lee Shuenn‐Yuh , Liang Ming‐Chun , Tsai Tsung‐Heng , Kao Wei‐Chun
Published: July 2012

This paper presents an ultra‐low‐power fourth‐order bandpass operational transconductance amplifier‐C (OTA‐C) filter for an implantable cardiac microstimulator used to detect the R‐wave of intracardiac electrograms. The OTA‐C filter fabricated by TSMC 0.35‐µm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology is operated in the subthreshold region to save power under a supply voltage of 1 V. The current cancellation technique is adopted to reduce the transconductance of the amplifier. Through this, the low‐frequency OTA‐C filter can be realized by ultra‐low transconductance with on‐chip capacitors. Direct comparison to conventional RLC ladders replaced by OTA‐C circuits shows that the method of reducing the number of OTAs further diminishes power consumption. Design issues, including ultra‐low transconductance, linearity, and noise, are also discussed. Measurement results show that the low‐voltage, low‐power filter has a bandwidth between 10 and 50 Hz, third inter‐modulation distortion of −40 dB, dynamic range of 43 dB, and power consumption of only 12 nW. The real electrocardiography signal is fed into the bandpass filter to verify the function of signal processing with the distribution of the R‐wave. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditional DC depletion does not affect priming of encephalitogenic Th cells in EAE
Authors: Isaksson Magnus , Lundgren Brita Ardesjö , Ahlgren Kerstin M. , Kämpe Olle , Lobell Anna
Published: July 2012

EAE, an animal model for multiple sclerosis, is a Th17‐ and Th1‐cell‐mediated auto‐immune disease, but the mechanisms leading to priming of encephalitogenicTcells in autoimmune neuroinflammation are poorly understood. To investigate the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in the initiation of autoimmuneTh17‐ andTh1‐cell responses andEAE, we used mice transgenic for a simian diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) expressed under the control of the murineCD11c promoter (CD11c‐DTRmice onC57BL/6 background).EAEwas induced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) protein in CFA. DCs were depleted on the day before and 8 days afterMOG immunization. The mean clinicalEAEscore was only mildly reduced inDC‐depleted mice when DCs were ablated beforeEAEinduction. The frequency of activatedTh cells was not altered, andMOG‐inducedTh17 orTh1‐cell responses were not altered, in the spleens ofDC‐depleted mice. Similar results were obtained ifDCswere ablated the first 10 days afterMOGimmunization with repeatedDCdepletions. Unexpectedly, transient depletion of DCs did not affect priming or differentiation of MOG‐inducedTh17 andTh1‐cell responses or the incidence ofEAE. Thus, the mechansim of priming ofTh cells inEAEremains to be elucidated.
At low precursor frequencies, the T‐cell response to chronic self‐antigen results in anergy without deletion
Authors: Steinert Elizabeth M. , Schwartz Ronald H. , Singh Nevil J.
Published: July 2012

The behavior of self‐reactive T cells in the peripheral immune system has often been studied by following the fate of adoptively transferred antigen‐specific T cells in antigen expressing mice. In most cases, after a period of expansion, such cells undergo a slow clonal deletion, accompanied by the onset of anergy and/or suppression in the remaining cells. Here, we demonstrate that at initial frequencies approaching those found in normal repertoires, it is possible to completely avoid deletion and still maintain peripheral tolerance. At starting numbers of <1000 T cells, stimulation by chronic self‐antigens resulted in a period of robust clonal expansion, followed by a steady plateau phase extending beyond 4 months. Despite their stable persistence, the self‐reactive T cells did not convert to a Foxp3+ fate. However, they displayed a considerable block in their ability to make IL‐2, consistent with the onset of anergy — in a precursor frequency or deletion independent fashion.
Would eating carrots protect your liver? A new role involving NKT cells for retinoic acid in hepatitis
Authors: Nagy Laszlo
Published: July 2012

Retinoic acid (RA), which is the biologically active form of vitamin A, acts through the nuclear hormone receptor RAR (RA receptor) to induce either gene activation or repression. RA production and its effects have been linked to macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B cells, and iNKT cells in the immune system and play pro‐ as well as anti‐inflammatory roles depending on the cell type and the immune context. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Lee et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2012. 42: 1685–1694] show that RA ameliorates Con A‐induced murine hepatitis by selectively downmodulating IFN‐γ and IL‐4 production in disease‐causing NKT cells in the liver. Remarkably, this effect is restricted to this liver disease model and does not apply to αGalCer‐induced murine liver injury, which is driven by other cytokines. The study identifies retinoid signaling as an important endogenous mechanism controlling immune reactions and also as a potential pharmacological target for treatment of hepatic liver injury. Furthermore, the study by Lee et al. provides additional support for the concept of metabolic regulation of immune function.
Synthesis, Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Three 3D Coordination Polymers Based on M4O4 Cubanes (M = MnII, FeII, CoII)
Authors: Tian Chong‐Bin , Zhang Hua‐Bin , Peng Yan , Xie Yun‐En , Lin Ping , Li Zhi‐Hua , Du Shao‐Wu
Published: July 2012

Three new isostructural coordination polymers, namely, [M4(μ3‐OMe)4(nic)4]n [M = MnII (1), FeII (2), and CoII (3); Hnic = nicotinic acid], have been solvothermally synthesized and magnetically characterized. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study reveals that compounds 1–3 are three‐dimensional frameworks, which are constructed through {M4(μ3‐OMe)4} cubane‐like building blocks and bridging nic– anions. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that they all show antiferromagnetic behavior with different intracubane coupling constants. Complex 1 exhibits spin‐frustration behavior, and was fitted with a two‐J model in the temperature range of 2–300 K, which gives J1 = –0.92 and J2 = –2.23 cm–1. Complexes 2 and 3 were fitted with the same model in the temperature range of 30–300 K and 40–300 K to give the exchange coupling constants J1 = –2.49, J2 = 4.84 cm–1 and J1 = –4.18, J2 = 5.44 cm–1, respectively.
Programmed Biologically Inspired Synthetic Templating of Multifunctional Nanoarchitectures for Small‐Scale Reactions
Authors: Didier Jonathan E. , Schafer Chad M. , LeDuc Philip R.
Published: July 2012

Nature has demonstrated the ability to create highly efficient reactions on small scales by using dimensional constraints and geometric advantages in unique and powerful ways. Inspired by elegant nanoscale cytoskeletal reactions, we have demonstrated a novel method for accelerating the rates of reactions by controlling spatiotemporal relationships using synthetic templating for multifunctional nanoarchitectures. In our model system we used tetrameric β‐galactosidase, split into a pair of nonreactive dimers, and organized them to have a strong affinity for microtubules. This microtubule templating increases the concentration of the dimers to a level at which they will frequently reform into active tetramers. The reactive activity of the β‐galactosidase was monitored by X‐gal, which enabled us to demonstrate a nearly 30‐fold increase in the maximum rate of reaction. We have shown that the use of biologically inspired approaches will give us the ability to control some of the essential basics in biology and medical chemistry through increasing reaction rates. These results will have applications in a wide range of fields including nanotechnology, synthetic biology, chemistry, engineering, and polymer physics.
Selective Consecutive Insertion of Alkynes into the B–Se Bonds of 1,3,2‐Diselenaborolane Derivatives: Synthesis and Molecular Structures of Nine‐Membered Rings
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Klimkina Elena V. , Milius Wolfgang
Published: July 2012

Various alkynes have been inserted selectively and stepwise into the B–Se bond(s) of 1,3,2‐diselenaboracyclopentanes {as the 4,5‐[1,2‐dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborano(12)] derivatives}. The B‐phenyl derivative was much less reactive than the B‐halogeno derivatives. The proposed structures were confirmed in solution by multinuclear NMR studies (1H, 11B, 13C and 77Se NMR), also supported by DFT calculations of the gas‐phase molecular geometries and NMR parameters [B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level of theory]. Isotope‐induced nuclear shielding 2Δ10/11B(13C) across weak intramolecular coordinative Se–B bonding was observed in the 13C NMR spectra of the nine‐membered‐ring compounds. The molecular structures of two nine‐membered‐ring structures with B–Cl and B–Br functions were determined by X‐ray diffraction. In addition, it was shown that the slow hydrolysis of these boron halides afforded the corresponding diboroxanes and borinic acids, the structures of the former being determined by X‐ray diffraction.
Investigation of the Rearrangement in Alkyl‐Bridged Bis(carbamoyldiaziridine) Derivatives
Authors: Kamuf Matthias , Rominger Frank , Trapp Oliver
Published: July 2012

The thermal treatment of alkyl‐bridged bis(carbamoyldiaziridine) derivatives in toluene at 100 °C led to the formation of new saturated five‐ and six‐membered 1,3‐diaza‐heterocyclic compounds from ethylene‐ or propylene‐bridged bis(carbamoyldiaziridine) derviatives, respectively. Detailed experimental investigations of this reaction revealed an unprecedented intramolecular eliminative rearrangement, involving the two adjacent diaziridine moieties. The loss of a three‐carbon fragment by elimination of acetone during the reaction was confirmed by GC–MS measurements. The products of the rearrangement were fully characterized, and their structures were confirmed by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. Furthermore, a reaction mechanism of the eliminative rearrangement was proposed, and the reaction pathway was corroborated by DFT calculations of gas‐phase model structures at the B3LYP/6‐31G** level.
A Stereoselective Povarov Reaction Leading to exo‐Tetrahydroindolo[3,2‐c]quinoline Derivatives Catalyzed by Iodine
Authors: Wang Xiang‐Shan , Yin Ming‐Yue , Wang Wei , Tu Shu‐Jiang
Published: July 2012

We report an iodine‐catalyzed Povarov reaction using indole as dienophile carried out in toluene at room temperature. This three‐component reaction, coupling an aldehyde, an amine, and an indole, proved to be an efficient method for synthesizing exo‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinoline derivatives related to the alkaloid isocryptolepine (cryptosanguinolentine) in good yield and with high stereoselectivity.
Mori–Hiyama versus Hay Coupling for Higher Polyynes
Authors: Gulia Nurbey , Osowska Karolina , Pigulski Bartłomiej , Lis Tadeusz , Galewski Zbigniew , Szafert Sławomir
Published: July 2012

Dimerizations of C4 precursors RC≡CC≡CTMS [R = C6H5 (1), p‐CH3C6H5, (2), 4‐n‐C5H11C6H4 (3), C6H9 (4), p‐CH3OC6H4 (5), p‐C6H5COC6H4 (6), p‐NO2C6H4 (7), and p‐NCC6H4 (8)] by Hay coupling with in situ deprotection gave stable octatetraynes R(C≡C)4R (1–8‐C8‐1–8) in 42–80 % yields as light yellow to brown powders. The same tetraynes were next synthesized from the same C4 precursors by an alternative Mori–Hiyama method that typically utilizes trimethylsilyl‐substituted alkynes without prior deprotection. The latter protocol proved useful and gave the expected products but with lower yields of 8–74 %. The resulting tetraynes were characterized by spectroscopic methods and in some cases by X‐ray crystallography. In the cases of 1‐C8‐1 and 3‐C12‐3, close analysis of the crystal data showed high degrees of carbon chain linearity, with % contraction indexes of 0.13 % and 0.19 %, respectively. The chains were more strained in the cases of 6‐C8‐6 (0.34 %) and 3‐C8‐3 (0.68 %). Deeper analysis of packing motifs revealed 3‐C12‐3 to be a very promising candidate for topochemical 1,4‐polymerization.
Endocannabinoids alleviate proinflammatory conditions by modulating innate immune response in muller glia during inflammation
Authors: Krishnan Gopinath , Chatterjee Nivedita
Published: July 2012

Muller cells play a prominent role in inflammatory conditions of the retina. They are part of the retinal innate immune response. The endocannabinoid system functions as an immune modulator in both the peripheral immune system as well as the central nervous system. We hypothesized that the neuroprotective ability of exogenous endocannabinoids in the retina is partially mediated through Muller glia. This study reports that exposure to endocannabinoids in activated but not resting primary human Muller glia inhibit production of several proinflammatory cytokines, while elevating anti‐inflammatory mediators. Cytokine generation in activated Muller glia is regulated by endocannabinoids through the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family at multiple signaling stages. Anandamide (AEA) acts to control MAPK phosphorylation through MKP‐1. Both AEA and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) inhibit the transcription factor NF‐κB and increases the regulatory protein, IL1‐R‐associated kinase 1‐binding protein 1. Endocannabinoids also increase expression of Tristetraprolin in activated Muller cells, which is implicated in affecting AU‐rich proinflammatory cytokine mRNA. We demonstrate that exogenous application of AEA and 2‐AG aid in retinal cell survival under inflammatory conditions by creating an anti‐inflammatory milieu. Endocannabinoids or synthetic cannabinoid therapy may therefore orchestrate a molecular switch to bias the innate immune system suchthat the balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine generation creates a prosurvival milieu. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of multiple sampling in reducing variation of salivary interleukin‐8 and interleukin‐1β mRNA levels in healthy adults
Authors: Kim Jeong Kyu , Zhou Hui , Nabili Vishad , Wang Marilene B. , Abemayor Elliot , Wong David T. W.
Published: July 2012

Background

Salivary mRNA biomarkers can exhibit significant variation over time. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern and magnitude of variation of salivary mRNA biomarkers and to explore the effect of performing replicate assays and multiple sampling on the dispersion of salivary biomarkers.

Methods

Salivary interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) mRNAs, developed as biomarkers for oral cancer detection, were selected and measured from 15 healthy subjects at 4 different time points on the same day.

Results

Salivary IL‐8 and IL‐1β mRNA levels fluctuated randomly over time without predictable rhythm and showed higher within‐subject biological variation than analytical variation. The dispersion of salivary IL‐8 and IL‐1β mRNAs was more effectively reduced by taking multiple saliva sample measurements than by performing replicative assays.

Conclusion

Taking multiple saliva samples can effectively reduce variation of salivary IL‐8 and IL‐1β mRNA levels in healthy adults. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Osteoblast response on Ti‐ and Zr‐based bulk metallic glass surfaces after sand blasting modification
Authors: Li H. F. , Wang Y. B. , Zheng Y. F. , Lin J. P.
Published: July 2012

The present study aimed to evaluate the osteoblast response on Ti‐ and Zr‐based BMG surfaces sand blasted with different grit corundums for implant application, with mechanically polished disks before sand blasting as control groups. The surface properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, and roughness measurements. Further evaluation of the surface bioactivity was conducted by MG63 cell attachment, proliferation, morphology, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity on the sample surfaces. It was found that corundum sand blasting surfaces significantly increased the surface wettability and MG63 cell attachment, cell proliferation, and ALP activity in comparison with the control group surfaces. Besides, the sample surface treated by large grit corundum is more favorable for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation than samples treated by small grit corundum, indicating that it might be effective for improving implant osseointegration in vivo. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Cytotoxicity of endodontic sealers after one year of aging in vitro
Authors: Brackett Martha Goël , Lewis Jill B. , Kious Andrew R. , Messer Regina L. W. , Lockwood Petra E. , Brackett William W. , Wataha John C.
Published: July 2012

The in vitro cytotoxic response to endodontic sealers was assessed for one year. AH‐Plus (AHP), Epiphany (EPH), EndoRez (ER), Guttaflow (GF), InnoEndo (IN), and Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS) were exposed to mouse osteoblasts and human monocytes after curing, 52 weeks of aging, and after resurfacing post‐aging; cellular response was estimated by succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. The effect of materials on TNFα secretion from activated (LPS) and inactivated monocytes also was measured. Cell responses were compared with ANOVA and Tukey post hoc analysis (α = 0.05). Initially, all materials except GF suppressed osteoblastic SDH activity compared with Teflon (Tf) controls. SDH activity in cells exposed to some aged sealers improved significantly; but IN and ER remained cytotoxic. When aged materials were resurfaced then tested, AHP, ER, GF, and IN did not change. EPH and PCS were more toxic. Monocytes responded similarly to the osteoblasts. No endodontic sealer activated monocytic TNFα secretion (p > 0.05 vs. −LPS Tf‐controls). LPS‐activated monocytes exposed to unresurfaced AHP and IN significantly suppressed TNFα secretion. When activated monocytes were exposed to the resurfaced sealers, differential suppression of TNFα secretion was observed for three of the four sealers tested (EPH, IN, and PCS). The results suggest that long‐term aging may be a useful adjunct to in vitro assessment of these materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Shaping scaffold structures in rapid manufacturing implants: A modeling approach toward mechano‐biologically optimized configurations for large bone defect
Authors: Razi Hajar , Checa Sara , Schaser Klaus‐Dieter , Duda Georg N.
Published: July 2012

Large segmental bone defects remain a clinical challenge. Titanium lattice‐structured implants in combination with laser sintering technology promises to be an alternative to bone grafting in the treatment of critical sized bone defects. Laser sintering allows the rapid manufacturing of patient specific 3D‐structured scaffolds with highly interconnected macroporous networks and tunable mechanical properties. Unknown remains to what degree the mechanical properties of these implants could be tuned, without leading to mechanical failure but still providing adequate mechanical stimuli for tissue ingrowth. The aim of this study was to evaluate various implant designs for their mechanical potential towards (a) optimized safety against stress failure and (b) optimal intrastructural straining for bone ingrowth. Finite element analyses of several lattice‐structured configurations were performed. Results illustrated a strong influence of the configuration on the load carrying capacity of the constructs. The likelihood of mechanical failure was predicted to be highly dependent on structure configuration with little influence of implant porosity. Increasing porosity did not result in an increase in the implant intrastructural straining in all configurations; however, the lattice configuration was the determinant factor for implant load transfer capacity. This study provides a framework for the design of effective implants with open pore structures to ensure mechanical stability as well as promote mechanical stimulation and encourage in vivo osseointegration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
A novel polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel functionalized with organic boundary lubricant for use as low‐friction cartilage substitute: Synthesis, physical/chemical, mechanical, and friction characterization
Authors: Blum Michelle M. , Ovaert Timothy C.
Published: July 2012

A novel material design was developed by functionalizing polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel with an organic low‐friction boundary lubricant (molar ratios of 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 moles of lauroyl chloride). The hydrogels were fabricated using two different techniques. First, the boundary lubricant was initially functionalized to the polymer, then the hydrogels were created by physically crosslinking the reacted polymer. Second, hydrogels were initially created by crosslinking pure polyvinyl alcohol, with the functionalization reaction performed on the fully formed gel. After the reaction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance spectra revealed a clear ester peak, the diminishment of the alcohol peak, and the amplification of the alkyl peaks, which confirmed attachment of the hydrocarbon chains to the polymer. Additional chemical characterization occurred through elemental analysis where an average increase of 22% carbon and 40% hydrogen provided further confirmation of attachment. Physical characterization of the boundary lubricant functionalized hydrogels was performed by water content and contact angle measurements. Water content dependency showed that method 1 had a direct relationship with boundary lubricant concentration, and method 2 displayed an inverse relationship. The contact angle increased as boundary lubricant concentration increased for the pure matrix material for both processing methods, suggesting that the hydrocarbons produced surface properties that mimic natural cartilage, and contact behavior of the biphasic system was dependent on processing method. Friction tests demonstrated a significant decrease in friction coefficient, with a maximum decrease of 70% and a minimum decrease of 24% for boundary lubricant functionalized hydrogels compared with nonfunctionalized polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Effectiveness of copper chloride in protecting against alterations induced by mercury chloride in newborn rats
Authors: Moraes‐Silva Lucélia , Bueno Tania M. , Franciscato Carina , Ineu Rafael P. , Pereira Maria Ester
Published: July 2012

This work investigated the effects of copper as preventive treatment against mercury‐induced alterations in young rats. Wistar rats were treated (subcutaneous) with saline or CuCl2 · 2H2O (6.9 mg/kg/day) from 3 to 7 days old and with saline or HgCl2 (5.0 mg/kg/day) from 8 to 12 days old. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last dose. Mercury‐exposed rats presented inhibition of liver (43%) and kidney (52%) porphobilinogen (PBG)‐synthase activity and serum lactic dehydrogenase activity (50%). Also, an increase of the serum creatinine and urea levels around threefold and fivefold was observed, respectively. Pre‐exposure to copper partially prevented the mercury effect on liver but not on kidney PBG synthase, and prevented the increase of the creatinine levels. Blood and brain PBG synthase and serum alanineaminotransferase activities, as well as glycemia, and liver glycogen content were not altered by treatments. These results show that copper, although being an essential metal, is inefficient as a preventive agent against mercury poisoning in parameters investigated after the end of mercury exposure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:354–359, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21429
DataPipeline: Automated importing and fitting of large amounts of biophysical data
Authors: Farrell Damien , Nielsen Jens Erik
Published: July 2012

Raw data from experiments across the biological sciences comes in a large variety of text formats. In small or medium sized laboratories researchers often use an assorted collection of software to interpret, fit, and visualize their data. The spreadsheet is commonly the core component of such a workflow. The limitations of such programs for large amounts of heterogeneous data can be frustrating. We report the construction of DataPipeline, a desktop and command‐line application that automates the tasks of importing, fitting, and plotting of text‐based data. The software is designed to simplify the process of importing text data from various sources using simple configuration files to describe raw file formats. Once imported, curve fitting can be performed using custom fitting models designed by the user inside the application. Fitted parameters can be grouped together as new datasets to be fitted to other models and experimental uncertainties propagated to give error estimates. This software will be useful for processing of data from high through‐put biological experiments or for rapid visualization of pilot data without the need for a chain of different programs to carry out each step. DataPipeline and source code is available under an open source license. The software can be freely downloaded at http://code.google.com/p/peat/downloads/list. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prolidase and Oxidative Stress in Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Duygu Fazilet , Koruk Suda Tekin , Karsen Hasan , Aksoy Nurten , Taskin Abdullah , Hamidanoglu Melek
Published: July 2012

Background

Hepatitis C infection represents a common healthcare issue worldwide. The present trial was designed to investigate the role of prolidase, an enzyme that is significantly involved in the biosynthesis of collagen, and of the oxidative stress that is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, in the chronic hepatitis C infection. The trial was performed to assess the serum prolidase enzyme level and the oxidative–antioxidative status and to determine the relation between the serum prolidase activity and the oxidative stress parameters.

Methods

A total of 95 individuals, including 55 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) and 40 healthy adults, were enrolled in the trial. The values for prolidase, the total antioxidant status (TAS), the total oxidative stress (TOS), the oxidative stress index (OSI), sulfhydryl (SH), lipid peroxidation LOOH, catalase (CAT), and ceruloplasmin were measured and compared between the patient groups.

Results

The prolidase, TOS, LOOH, CAT, and the OSI values were higher in the chronic hepatitis C group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The TAS, SH, and ceruloplasmin levels were lower in the CHC group relative to the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We suppose that the values of prolidase and the oxidative stress are increased while the antioxidant levels are decreased in CHC. As a result, prolidase and the oxidative stress seem to be related with the progression of the disease. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:232‐237, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Temperature and Distance on the Viral Outcome of Clinical Specimens From Acute Flaccid Paralysis Cases in Nigeria
Authors: Adu Festus D. , Idowu Ayodeji A. , Akintokun Aderonke K. , Adeniji Johnson A. , Ajuwon Bolajoko O.
Published: July 2012

Aim

The effect of cold box temperature and distance on virus titers, poliovirus isolation rate, and appearance of orphan polioviruses was investigated.

Methods

Cold boxes with stools were randomly selected and examined for internal temperature over a 7‐month period. After virus isolation in Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line RDand L20B, titer calculations and intratypic differentiation were done on isolates. Sequencing and molecular studies were done on the isolates periodically in the order of arrival in the laboratory for a period of 30 months.

Results

Seventy‐one (51.1%) boxes had the temperature range of 1 –4°C, 53 (38.1%) had 4.5 –8°C,. while 15 (10.8%) had temperature between 8.5°C and 17.0°C.

Poliovirus was isolated from 24 (8.6%) specimens made up of 13 wild 1 and 2 and 11 Sabins 1, 2, 3 with titers between 101.8 and 105.4 TCID50/100 μl. Temperature and titer were inversely proportional and statistically significant. (r = −0.83, P < 0.05). Distance to laboratory was not significantly related (r = −0.025) to temperature when appropriate cold box temperature was maintained. Of the 18,188 acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) specimens received in the laboratory between June 2008 and December 2010, 1,752 poliovirus isolates (9.6%) consisting of 480 wild and 82 orphans were found. A positive correlation between the distance and orphan viruses (r = 0.425; P = 0.027) was observed.

Conclusion

While poliovirus titer depends on the inside temperature of the cold box, distance to the laboratory was found to be a predisposing factor to the appearance of orphan viruses. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:254‐261, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ribonucleic Acid Extraction From Archival Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Myocardial Tissues for Gene Expression and Pathogen Detection
Authors: Sharma Mirnalini , Mishra Baijayantimala , Vandana  , Saikia Uma N. , Bahl Ajay , Ratho Radha K. , Talwar Kewal K.
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Archival tissue samples preserved in formalin are a great source of treasure for biomedical research and diagnostics. Formalin, though is a good preservative, causes the modification of nucleic acid limiting the application of fixed tissues. The present study evaluated three methods of RNAextraction for constitutive gene expression and pathogen detection.

Material and methods

Sixteen archival formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) myocardial tissues were subjected to RNAextraction by Trizol, SDS, and RNeasy FFPEkit followed by RT‐PCRand Taqman Real‐Time PCRto study the expression of housekeeping genes.

Results

RNAwas extracted from all 16 myocardial tissues (100%) by RNeasy FFPEkit, as compared to 14/16 by Trizol and 8/10 by SDSmethods. The expression of Glyceraldehye‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)was observed in RNAextracted by RNeasy FFPEkit and Trizol. High yield of RNAwas obtained by RNeasy FFPEkit than Trizol (P = 0.002) and SDS(P = 0.012). Of the three methods, RNeasy FFPEkit was evaluated for Enterovirus RNAdetection in 16 other histopathologically confirmed FFPEtissues of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases and Enterovirus genome was detected in 4/16 (25%) FFPEtissues of DCMcases. The enteroviral sequences of the viral isolates revealed 99% homology with Human coxsackievirus B5.

Conclusion

The Qiagen RNeasy FFPEkit resulted in significantly high reproducibility of RNAfrom FFPEmyocardial tissues, which are suitable for amplification by Taq‐Man Real‐Time and RT‐PCR. Thus, the results show that these FFPEtissues can be used for gene expression, pathogen detection, and epidemiological studies. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:279‐285, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection and Quantification of Tricyclic Antidepressants and Other Psychoactive Drugs in Urine by HPLC/MS/MSfor Pain Management Compliance Testing
Authors: Poklis Justin L. , Wolf Carl E. , Goldstein Ashley , Wolfe M. Lauren , Poklis Alphonse
Published: July 2012

A sensitive, specific, and rapid high‐pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method was developed for the quantitation of 11 tricyclic antidepressants and/or their metabolites; fluoxetine and norfluoxetine; cyclobenzaprine; and trazodone in urine. Samples were alkalinized with 0.2 N NaOH and extracted into 2 ml of hexane: ethyl acetate (1:1), evaporated to dryness, and reconstituted with 100 μl of 20 mM ammonium formate: methanol (20:80). The chromatographic separation was performed using an Allure Biphenyl 100 × 3.2 mm, 5‐μ column with a mobile phase consisting of 20 mM ammonium formate: methanol (20:80 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. The detection was accomplished by multiple‐reaction monitoring via electrospray ionization source operating in the positive ionization mode. The calibration curve was linear over the investigated concentration range, 25–2,000 ng/ml, for each analyte using 1.0 ml of urine. The lower limit of quantitation for each analyte was 25 ng/ml. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions had coefficient of variation less than 15% and the accuracy was within the range from 88% to 109%. The method proved adequate for the tricyclic antidepressants analysis of urine for emergency clinical toxicology and pain management compliance testing. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:286‐294, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of abnormal bowel perfusion using contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography after small bowel transplantation: A case report
Authors: Cao Bing‐Sheng , Li Lei , Li Yuan‐Xin , Liang Yu‐Mei
Published: July 2012

A 59‐year‐old man with short‐bowel syndrome received a small bowel transplantation. Because the recipient complained of severe abdominal pain 40 hours after the surgery and was highly suspected of having mesenteric vascular thrombosis, contrast‐enhanced sonography (CEUS) was performed at his bedside. CEUS demonstrated that the superior mesenteric artery was patent, but the bowel graft showed hypoenhancement, indicating severely inadequate perfusion of the graft. Due to this complication, the patient underwent an exploratory laporatomy, and the bowel graft was removed. The pathologic findings support the diagnosis of acute vascular rejection after intestinal transplantation. This case suggests that CEUS can be used to assess perfusion and vascular complications after intestinal transplantation, as it is noninvasive and easily performed at bedside. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:370–372, 2013
Mechanisms of radiation damage in beam‐sensitive specimens, for TEM accelerating voltages between 10 and 300 kV
Authors: Egerton R.F.
Published: July 2012

Ionization damage (radiolysis) and knock‐on displacement are compared in terms of scattering cross section and stopping power, for thin organic specimens exposed to the electrons in a TEM. Based on stopping power, which includes secondary processes, radiolysis is found to be predominant for all incident energies (10–300 keV), even in materials containing hydrogen. For conducting inorganic specimens, knock‐on displacement is the only damage mechanism but an electron dose exceeding 1000 C cm−2 is usually required. Ways of experimentally determining the damage mechanism (with a view to minimizing damage) are discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CHINA'S CHANGING POVERTY: A MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRY CASE STUDY
Authors: Taylor John G. , Xiaoyun Li
Published: July 2012

Recent assessments by Sumner and Kanbur argue that a substantial number of the world's poor currently live in middle income countries (MICs). Many of this new bottom billion live in two countries, India and China. The authors of the new bottom billion approach stress the importance of understanding the nature of poverty in these two crucial MICs. In this paper, we respond to this by examining current patterns of poverty in contemporary China, focusing on areas of ongoing and emerging poverty. We focus in particular on the ways in which forms of poverty emerging in recent years' poverty can be addressed during the current rebalancing phase in China's industrialisation and on what policies need to be implemented for this to occur. Our assessment is based on recent data and information available from Chinese Government Ministries, the National Statistical Bureau and Chinese research institutes and academies. It also refers to qualitative research undertaken in Chinese villages in several provinces, resulting from our involvement in various poverty assessments undertaken by the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the International Poverty Reduction Center in China. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.