bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary supplement use is not associated with recurrence of colorectal adenomas: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Heine‐Bröring Renate C. , Winkels Renate M. , Botma Akke , Wahab Peter J. , Tan Adriaan C.I.T.L. , Nagengast Fokko M. , Witteman Ben J.M. , Kampman Ellen
Published: May 2012

Diet and lifestyle influence colorectal adenoma recurrence. The role of dietary supplement use in colorectal adenoma recurrence remains controversial. In this prospective cohort study, we examined the association between dietary supplement use, total colorectal adenoma recurrence and advanced adenoma recurrence. Colorectal adenoma cases (n = 565) from a former case–control study, recruited between 1995 and 2002, were prospectively followed until 2008. Adenomas with a diameter of ≥1 cm and/or (tubulo)villous histology and/or with high grade dysplasia and/or ≥3 adenomas detected at the same colonic examination were considered advanced adenomas. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dietary supplement users (use of any supplement during the past year) compared to nonusers and colorectal adenoma recurrence were calculated using stratified Cox proportional hazard models for counting processes and were adjusted for age, sex, educational level and number of colonoscopies during follow‐up. Robust sandwich covariance estimation was used to adjust for the within subject correlation. A number of 165 out of 565 adenoma patients had at least one colorectal adenoma recurrence during a median person‐time of 5.4 years and of these, 37 patients had at least one advanced adenoma. One‐third of the total study population (n = 203) used a dietary supplement. Compared to no use, dietary supplement use was neither statistically significantly associated with total colorectal adenoma recurrence (HR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.79–1.34) nor with recurrent advanced adenomas (HR = 1.59; 95% CI 0.88–2.87). This prospective cohort study did not suggest an association between dietary supplement use and colorectal adenoma recurrence.
Comparability of stage data in cancer registries in six countries: Lessons from the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership
Authors: Walters Sarah , Maringe Camille , Butler John , Brierley James D. , Rachet Bernard , Coleman Michel P.
Published: May 2012

The International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership is investigating cancer survival differences between six high‐income nations using population‐based cancer registry data. Differences in overall survival are often explained by differences in the stage at diagnosis and stage‐specific survival. Comparing stage at diagnosis using cancer registry data is challenging because of different regional practices in defining stage, despite the existence of international staging classifications such as TNM. This paper describes how stage data may be reconciled for international analysis. Population‐based cancer registry data were collected for 2.4 million adults diagnosed with colorectal, lung, breast (women) or ovarian cancer during 1995–2007 in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The stage data received were coded to a variety of international systems, including the TNM classification, Dukes' for colorectal cancer, FIGO for ovarian cancer, and to national “localised, regional, distant” categorisations. To optimise comparability for analysis, a rigorous and repeatable process was defined to produce a final stage variable for each patient. An algorithm was also defined to map TNM, Dukes' and FIGO to a “localised, regional, distant” categorisation. We recommend how stage data should be recorded and processed to optimise comparability in population‐based international comparisons of stage‐specific cancer outcomes. The process we describe to produce comparable stage data forms a benchmark for future research. The algorithm to convert between TNM and a “localised, regional, distant” categorisation should be valuable for international studies, until global consensus is achieved to adhere to a single staging system like TNM.
Pre‐diagnostic alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence and mortality: Results from a prospective cohort with a wide range of variation in alcohol intake
Authors: Holm Marianne , Olsen Anja , Christensen Jane , Kroman Niels T. , Bidstrup Pernille E. , Johansen Christoffer , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne
Published: May 2012

The association between pre‐diagnostic alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence and breast cancer specific mortality was investigated in 1,052 women diagnosed with early breast cancer in a prospective cohort of 29,875 women. Known clinical, lifestyle and socioeconomic risk factors were evaluated and adjusted for in multivariate analysis. We found a modest but significant association between pre‐diagnostic alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence with a median follow‐up of six years after date of diagnosis, both when using baseline measures of alcohol intake (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.02–2.67; >2 units/day vs. ≤1 unit/day) and cumulated alcohol intake (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.06–3.85; >40 drinking years vs. 0<drinking years≤10). Results for breast cancer specific mortality were also suggestive of a higher risk but were not statistically significant. In addition to being a risk factor for breast cancer, a high pre‐diagnostic alcohol intake also seems to have an effect on the course of the disease. We could not relate the finding to a specific tumor presentation.
Targeted delivery of vancomycin to Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms using a fibrinogen‐derived peptide
Authors: Hofmann Christopher M. , Anderson James M. , Marchant Roger E.
Published: May 2012

This study reports on the use of a fibrinogen‐derived peptide for the specific targeting and delivery of vancomycin to Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. One method by which S. epidermidis initially adheres to biomaterials uses the plasma protein fibrinogen as an intermediary, where the S. epidermidis surface protein SdrG binds to a short amino acid sequence near the amino terminus of the Bβ chain of fibrinogen. We mimicked this binding interaction and demonstrated the use of a synthetic fibrinogen‐based β6‐20 peptide to target and deliver vancomycin to S. epidermidis
in vitro. The β6‐20 peptide was synthesized and labeled with a Nanogold probe, and its targeting capabilities were examined through the use of scanning electron microscopy. The Nanogold component was then replaced by vancomycin, utilizing a flexible, variable length poly(ethylene glycol) linker between the peptide and antibiotic to create the targeted vancomycin products, β6‐20‐PEGx‐VAN. Initial binding to surface adherent S. epidermidis was increased in a concentration‐dependent manner relative to vancomycin for all equivalent concentrations ≥4 μg/mL, with targeted vancomycin content up to 22.9 times that of vancomycin alone. Retention of the targeted antibiotics was measured after an additional 24‐h incubation period, revealing levels 1.3 times that of vancomycin. The results demonstrate the improved targeting and retention of vancomycin within a biofilm due to the incorporation of a specific targeting motif. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2517–2525, 2012.
Anin vitrostudy of collagen hydrogel to induce the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhang Li , Yuan Tun , Guo Likun , Zhang Xingdong
Published: May 2012

It is controversial whether a biomaterial itself, rather than addition of any exogenous growth factor, could induce mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into chondrogenic lineage, further to regenerate cartilage. Previous studies have shown that collagen‐based hydrogel could induce MSCs to differentiate into chondrocytesin vivobut thein vitrostudies only have a few reports. The evidence that biomaterials could induce chondrogenesis is not adequate. In this study, we tried to address whether type I collagen hydrogel has chondro‐inductive capabilityin vitroand how this scaffold induces MSCs to generate cartilage tissue without exogenous growth factors in the culture medium. We encapsulated neonatal rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in type I collagen hydrogel homogeneously or implanted cell aggregates in hydrogel, and cultured them in nonchondrogenic inductive media. After at least 28 days culture, cells in the homogeneous group were tending to chondrogenic differentiation while cell density was high, and cells in the aggregate group have almost gone through chondrogenesis and formed neo‐cartilage tissue with abundant specific extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. These results indicate collagen hydrogel has inherent inductivity for the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and the optimum specification and tissue formation were accompanied with local high cell density. This research suggests a feasible strategy to induce the chondro differentiation of BMSCs independent of exogenous growth factors, which may greatly contribute to clinical cartilage regeneration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A: 2717–2725, 2012.
Activated charcoal composite biomaterial promotes human embryonic stem cell differentiation toward neuronal lineage
Authors: Chen Eric Y. T. , Wang Yung‐Chen , Mintz Alexander , Richards Alan , Chen Chi‐Shuo , Lu David , Nguyen Thien , Chin Wei‐Chun
Published: May 2012

Transplantation of biomaterial scaffolds encasing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has been proposed as a clinical therapy for various neurological lesions and disorders. In light of recent developments, artificially synthesized carbon‐based biomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene have demonstrated feasibility in supporting stem cell attachment and differentiation. However, the applicability is significantly hampered by evidence of nanotoxic effects on multiple cell types. Thus, an emergent drive for an innovative carbonaceous biomaterial calls for a safer platform with comparable advantageous characteristics. Here, we showed for the first time, a natural coal‐based activated charcoal (AC) composite biosubstrate can support and promote neuronal differentiation in hESCs. The bio‐friendly AC composite biomatrices resulted in more matured neuron‐like cells. Both of axonal length and density were at least twice as long and abundant, respectively, when compared with control groups. A functional assay demonstrated that the derived neuron‐like cells responded to depolarization‐dependent synaptic recycling and may contain active synapses. In addition, the AC composite substrate can serve to concentrate growth factors and cell adhesion proteins, further encouraging attachment and hESC differentiation. Moreover, the AC composite biomaterial can potentially be economically manufactured as implantable three‐dimensional bioscaffolds, facilitating the regeneration of damaged neural and other tissues. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Development of a broad spectrum polymer‐released antimicrobial coating for the prevention of resistant strain bacterial infections
Authors: Sinclair K. D. , Pham T. X. , Farnsworth R. W. , Williams D. L. , Loc‐Carrillo C. , Horne L. A. , Ingebretsen S. H. , Bloebaum R. D.
Published: May 2012

More than 400,000 primary hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed each year in the United States. From these procedures, approximately 0.5–3% will become infected and when considering revision surgeries, this rate has been found to increase significantly. Antibiotic‐resistant bacterial infections are a growing problem in patient care. This in vitro research investigated the antimicrobial potential of the polymer released, broad spectrum, Cationic Steroidal Antimicrobial‐13 (CSA‐13) for challenges against 5 × 108 colony forming units (CFU) of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It was hypothesized that a weight‐to‐weight (w/w) concentration of 18% CSA‐13 in silicone would exhibit potent bactericidal potential when used as a controlled release device coating. When incorporated into a polymeric device coating, the 18% (w/w) broad‐spectrum polymer released CSA‐13 antimicrobial eliminated 5 × 108 CFU of MRSA within 8 h. In the future, these results will be utilized to develop a sheep model to assess CSA‐13 for the prevention of perioperative device‐related infections in vivo. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2732–2738, 2012.
DLC coatings for UHMWPE: Relationship between bacterial adherence and surface properties
Authors: Del Prado G. , Terriza A. , Ortiz‐Pérez A. , Molina‐Manso D. , Mahillo I. , Yubero F. , Puértolas J. A. , Manrubia‐Cobo M. , Gómez Barrena E. , Esteban J.
Published: May 2012

Development of intrinsically antibacterial surfaces is of key importance in the context of prostheses used in orthopedic surgery. This work presents a thorough study of several plasma‐based coatings that may be used with this functionality: diamond‐like carbon (DLC), fluorine‐doped DLC (F‐DLC), and a high‐fluorine‐content‐carbon‐fluor polymer (CFX). The coatings were obtained by a radio‐frequency plasma‐assisted deposition on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) samples and physicochemical properties of the coated surfaces were correlated with their antibacterial performance against collection and clinical Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. The fluorine content and the relative amount of CC and CF bonds were controlled by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and hydrophobicity and surface tension by contact angle measurements. Surface roughness was studied by Atomic Force Microscopy. Additional nanoidentation studies were performed for DLC and F‐DLC coatings. Unpaired t test and regression linear models evaluated the adherence of S. aureus and S. epidermidis on raw and coated UHMWPE samples. Comparing with UHMWPE, DLC/UHMWPE was the least adherent surface with independence of the bacterial species, finding significant reductions (p ≤ 0.001) for nine staphylococci strains. Bacterial adherence was also significantly reduced in F‐DLC/ UHMWPE and CFx/UHMWPE for six strains. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A:2813–2820, 2012.
Gene expression during S. epidermidis biofilm formation on biomaterials
Authors: Patel Jasmine D. , Colton Erica , Ebert Michael , Anderson James M.
Published: May 2012

Biomaterial‐centered infections are initiated by adhesion of bacteria to an implant, followed by colonization and mature biofilm formation. Staphylococcus epidermidis is commonly identified as the cause of these device‐centered infections. This study used an in vitro model to evaluate temporal changes in the expression of genes—icaADBC, agrBDCA, aap, and atle—that have been identified to play a role in the pathogenesis of S. epidermidis infections. Real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to determine changes in gene expression from S epidermidis biofilm grown on polyurethanes (Elasthane 80A, hydrophobic) modified with polyethylene oxide (Elasthane 80A–6PEO, hydrophilic) and fluorocarbon (Elasthane 80A–6F, hydrophobic). In vitro expression of the ica locus, which is involved in initial adhesion and intracellular aggregation, increased up to 100‐fold from 2 to 48 h, whereas gene expression for autolysin AtlE decreased slightly from 2 to 12 h, followed by a 10‐fold increase by 48 h. Upregulation of the aap gene associated with bacterial accumulation and the agr quorum‐sensing system was observed during biofilm formation over 48 h. In addition, no correlation was observed between S. epidermidis gene expression and biomaterial surface chemistry. This study used an in vitro model to demonstrate that enhanced expression of the atle, aap, agr, and ica genes plays an important role in initial foreign body colonization and potentially in the establishment of a device‐associated infection. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:2863–2869, 2012.
Serum Creatinine Determined by Jaffe, Enzymatic Method, and Isotope Dilution‐Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry in Patients Under Hemodialysis
Authors: Liu Wen‐Sheng , Chung Yu‐Ting , Yang Chih‐Yu , Lin Chih‐Ching , Tsai Kun‐Hung , Yang Wu‐Chang , Chen Tzen‐Wen , Lai Yen‐Ting , Li Szu‐Yuan , Liu Tsung‐Yun
Published: May 2012

Objectives

Serum creatinine is an important clinical marker for renal clearance. However, the Jaffe method had much interference and the accuracy had not been tested in patients under hemodialysis (HD) with standard isotope dilution‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (IDLCMS) method. The validity of enzymatic method is also unknown.

Methods

The predialysis serum creatinine levels of 126 patients under regular HD for 3 months were checked by Jaffe, enzymatic, and IDLCMS methods. We compared the value of the Jaffe and enzymatic to that of IDLCMS in linear regression model. And we also tried to find the clinical parameters that influence the difference between Jaffe vs. IDLCMS and enzymatic vs. IDLCMS method.

Results

We found significant underestimate serum creatinine in uremic patients by Jaffe and enzymatic methods. Serum glucose and globulin are positive biases, whereas albumin, potassium, and phosphorus are negative biases. Enzymatic method is less affected by serum glucose and serum protein. Albumin acts differently in uremic serum compared to the results of mixing them with normal serum.

Conclusions

For uremic patients, in whom creatinine level is high and many of them suffered from diabetes mellitus, serum creatinine can be either under‐ or overestimated by Jaffe method. Enzymatic method is less affected and may be a better method. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:206‐214, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Use of Oral Fluid Samples Spotted on Filter Paper for the Detection of Measles Virus Using Nested RT‐PCR
Authors: Sheikhakbari Sogol , Mokhtari‐Azad Talat , Salimi Vahid , Norouzbabaei Zahra , Abbasi Simin , Zahraei Seyed Mohsen , Shahmahmoodi Shohreh
Published: May 2012

Measles is the leading cause of death in infants, although a vaccine is available for its prevention. At this stage of measles elimination and eradication, it is so important to confirm clinically diagnosed measles cases in the laboratory but, developing countries have troubles in collecting and maintaining the cold chain of the specimens while transporting them to the laboratories. Therefore, filter papers are good candidates for simplification of specimen collection and transportation. In this research, the effects of the temperature, at which the dried specimens were kept, and the time duration the dried specimens were kept before being tested, were studied.

Since there were not enough patients’ oral fluid samples available, a nested reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR) that detected measles virus (MV) from dried filter papers was set up using MV infected cells diluted in sterile phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Dried specimens were stored at −25°C, 4°C, and room temperature for 1 day, 1, 2, and 3 weeks before being tested. This method was then applied to filter paper oral fluids collected from nine clinically diagnosed measles patients in Iran in 2010 which were tested after being kept at room temperature for 1 day, 1 and 3 weeks after preparation.

The results showed that dried oral fluids on filter papers are reliable specimens for the detection of MV RNA using nested RT‐PCR, but the nested RT‐PCR results of low titer viruses dried onto filter papers are not reproducible and reliable. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:215‐222, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of Anti‐Aquaporin‐4 Antibodies in Neuromyelitis Optica: Comparison of Tissue‐Based and Cell‐Based Indirect Immunofluorescence Assays and ELISA
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Joo , Jung Seung‐Won , Kim Yonggoo , Park Yeon‐Joon , Han Kyungja , Oh Eun‐Jee
Published: May 2012

NMO‐IgGagainst aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is a specific marker for neuromyelitis optica (NMO). We evaluated the performance of different NMO‐IgG detecting methods. In 124 sera (from 54 with NMO spectrum disorders including nine with NMO, ten with multiple sclerosis including two with OSMS, and 60 with other neurological diseases), NMO‐IgG was measured with tissue‐based indirect immunofluorescence (IIF‐tissue) using mouse cerebellum, cell‐based IIF (IIF‐AQP4) using transfected HEK293 cells which express human AQP4, and AQP4 autoantibody detecting enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA‐AQP4). The sensitivities and specificities of three assays were 44.4–55.6% and 87.0–92.2% for detecting NMO, and 11.1–20.4% and 95.7–97.1% for detecting NMO spectrum disorders. Although there was no significant difference, the patients with NMO or NMO spectrum disorders showed higher rates of seropositivity in the ELISA‐AQP4 vs. IIF assays. Out of the 19 sera with NMO‐IgG, in at least one test, only six (31.6%) were found to be positive by all three assays. Among the three methods, the ranges of co‐negativities, co‐positivities, and agreement were 77.4–97.4%, 42.9–75.0%, and 91.1–95.2% (kappa 0.475–0.641), respectively. In patients who had positive ELISA‐AQP4 results, IIF‐AQP4 positivity was associated with NMO (P = 0.01). In summary, we observed an increased prevalence of NMO‐IgG in patients with NMO and NMO spectrum disorders. ELISA‐AQP4 may be more sensitive and specific when confirmed by IIF‐AQP4. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:184‐189, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chromatographic lipid profiling of stress‐exposed cells
Authors: Wiedmer Susanne K. , Robciuc Alexandra , Kronholm Juhani , Holopainen Juha M. , Hyötyläinen Tuulia
Published: May 2012

Lipidomics is an emerging field of science not only due to its integral part of cell biology and biophysics but also due to the key role of lipids in the modulation of membrane physical properties, signaling, and cell death regulation. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in N‐palmitoyl ceramide concentration and in the global lipid profile in macrophages challenged by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and nutrient deprived hepatocytes. For this purpose, a quantitative targeted method based on gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry for the determination of total N‐palmitoyl ceramide concentrations in the cellular membranes of cells under stress was used. Ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time of flight mass spectrometry was applied for the comprehensive profiling of lipids. In essence, we found that both models of cellular stress caused an increase in N‐palmitoyl ceramide levels. In addition, increased levels of other ceramides were observed as well as up‐ and down‐regulation of several other lipid species.
Micellar electrokinetic chromatography systems for the separation of mixtures of charged and uncharged compounds
Authors: Lamalle Caroline , Servais Anne‐Catherine , Fradi Ines , Crommen Jacques , Fillet Marianne
Published: May 2012

In this study, the migration behavior of charged and uncharged analytes was investigated under different conditions. Effective mobilities – electrophoretic mobilities under the influence of micelles – of cations, anions, and neutrals were measured at neutral, basic, and acidic pH (7.5, 11, and 2.2) using background electrolytes containing different sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) concentrations (0–90 mM) and acetonitrile (ACN) proportions (0–75%). SDS concentration and ACN proportion were found to have a tremendous effect on the effective mobilities and migration order of the model compounds. Although the SDS micelles preferably interact with neutrals and cations, hydrophobic bonds can also occur with anions. Cations, anions, and neutrals having rather different migration behaviors, it is possible to considerably enhance the selectivity of the method by adjusting properly the SDS concentration and the ACN proportion. These observations confirm the interest of using micellar electrokinetic chromatography not only for the separation of neutral substances but also to analyze charged compounds.
A numerical study of parabolic problems with nonlinear boundary conditions
Authors: Zolfaghari R. , Shidfar A.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we consider an initial‐boundary value problem for a parabolic equation with nonlinear boundary conditions. The solution to the problem can be expressed as a convolution integral of a Green's function and two unknown functions. We change the problem to a system of two nonlinear Volterra integral equations of convolution type. By using an explicit procedure on the basis of Sinc‐function properties, the resulting integral equations are replaced by a system of nonlinear algebraic equations, whose solution yields an accurate approximate solution to the parabolic problem. Some examples are considered to illustrate the ability of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the connections between symmetries and conservation rules of dynamical systems
Authors: Cicogna Giampaolo
Published: May 2012

The strict connection between Lie point‐symmetries of a dynamical system and its constants of motion is discussed and emphasized through old and new results. It is shown in particular how the knowledge of the symmetry of a dynamical system can allow us to obtain conserved quantities that are invariant under the symmetry. In the case of Hamiltonian dynamical systems, it is shown that if the system admits a symmetry of a ‘weaker’ type (specifically, a λ or a Λ‐symmetry), then the generating function of the symmetry is not a conserved quantity, but the deviation from the exact conservation is ‘controlled’ in a well‐defined way. Several examples illustrate the various aspects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boosting 19F MRI—SNR efficient detection of paramagnetic contrast agents using ultrafast sequences
Authors: Schmid Florian , Höltke Carsten , Parker David , Faber Cornelius
Published: May 2012

19F MRI offers high specificity but usually low sensitivity. Here, paramagnetic relaxation enhancement is assessed as a method to improve SNR efficiency in 19F MRI. Compounds with short relaxation times are used that combine fluorine and a paramagnetic ion within the same molecule. Different molecular designs provide T1 values in the range of 1.4–15 ms and /T1 ratios from 0.3 to 1. Gradient echo, as well as ultrafast radial MR sequences, is optimized to achieve highest SNR efficiency. Compared to nonparamagnetic compounds, ultrafast sequences can yield a gain of up to a factor 27 in sensitivity, whereas the gain with gradient echo is only factor 11. Comparison among the paramagnetic compounds shows that /T1 close to unity is a prerequisite for highest SNR efficiency gain and that best results are obtained for compounds with T1 in the range of 1–5 ms. Magn Reson Med 69:1056–1062, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
It Means Everything: Continuing Normality of Everyday Life for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Early Remission
Authors: Kristiansen T. M. , Primdahl J. , Antoft R. , Hørslev‐Petersen K.
Published: May 2012

Objective

The aim of this follow‐up study was twofold: firstly, to explore how people who were clinically regarded to be in a state of remission experienced their everyday lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); secondly, to explore the experiences of people in early remission with healthcare provision and their perceived support needs.

Methods

Two focus group interviews were conducted with 11 participants in total. Interview data were analysed using content analysis methods.

Results

All participants felt that they were able to continue their normal everyday activities at home, at leisure and at work. They were also able to maintain their normal roles. Continuing the normality of everyday life seemed to be the most important defining variable for experiencing being in remission. Support needs were directly related to the participants' positive experiences of actual support from the healthcare providers and were related to the continuity of the care provider, coherence, being taken care of, having a personal and trusting relationship with the health professionals and being properly informed about RA and how to manage it.

Conclusion

The participants wanted to concentrate on wellness and tended to avoid thinking of possible side effects, being chronic ill and the development of RA in the future. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A bi‐value coding parameterization scheme for the discrete optimal orientation design of the composite laminate
Authors: Gao Tong , Zhang Weihong , Duysinx Pierre
Published: May 2012

The discrete optimal orientation design of the composite laminate can be treated as a material selection problem dealt with by using the concept of continuous topology optimization method. In this work, a new bi‐value coding parameterization (BCP) scheme of closed form is proposed to this aim. The basic idea of the BCP scheme is to ‘code’ each material phase using integer values of +1 and –1 so that each available material phase has one unique ‘code’ consisting of +1 and/or –1 assigned to design variables. Theoretical and numerical comparisons between the proposed BCP scheme and existing schemes show that the BCP has the advantage of an evident reduction of the number of design variables in logarithmic form. The benefit is particularly remarkable when the number of candidate materials becomes important in large‐scale problems. Numerical tests with up to 36 candidate material orientations are illustrated for the first time to indicate the reliability and efficiency of the BCP scheme in solving this kind of problem. It proves that the BCP is an interesting and valuable scheme to achieve the optimal orientations for large‐scale design problems. Besides, a four‐layer laminate example is tested to demonstrate that the proposed BCP scheme can easily be extended to multilayer problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential effects of radiotherapy on growth and endocrine function among acute leukemia survivors: A childhood cancer survivor study report
Authors: Chow Eric J. , Liu Wei , Srivastava Kumar , Leisenring Wendy M. , Hayashi Robert J. , Sklar Charles A. , Stovall Marilyn , Robison Leslie L. , Baker K. Scott
Published: May 2012

Background

The differential effects of cranial radiotherapy (CRT), spinal radiotherapy (SRT), and total body irradiation (TBI) on growth and endocrine outcomes have rarely been examined in combination among childhood acute leukemia survivors.

Procedure

Self‐reported height/weight, hypothyroidism, and pregnancy/live birth were determined among acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia survivors (n = 3,467) participating in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, an ongoing cohort study of 5‐year survivors of pediatric cancers diagnosed from 1970 to 1986.

Results

Compared with no radiotherapy, risk estimates were consistent across outcomes (adult short stature, hypothyroidism, absence of pregnancy/live birth) with CRT treatment associated with 2–3‐fold increased risks, TBI associated with 5–10 fold increased risks, and CRT + TBI associated with >10 fold increased risks. Exposure to any SRT further increased risk of these outcomes 2–3‐fold. Changes in body composition were more nuanced as CRT only was associated with an increased risk of being overweight/obese (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3–1.9) whereas TBI only was associated with an increased risk of being underweight (OR 6.0, 95% CI 2.4–14.9).

Conclusions

Although patients treated with CRT + TBI were at greatest risk for short stature, hypothyroidism, and a reduced likelihood of pregnancy/live birth, those treated with either modality alone had significantly increased risks as well, including altered body composition. Any SRT exposure further increased risk in an independent fashion. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 110–115. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrical conductivity and oxygen permeability of polyacrylonitrile/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites
Authors: Pradhan Ajaya K. , Swain Sarat K.
Published: May 2012

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared by nonconventional ultrasonic‐assisted emulsifier free emulsion polymerization technique with variable percentage of functionalized carbon nanotube. PAN/MWCNT nanocomposites were characterized by ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐visible) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The result from UV‐visible suggested that the functionalized MWCNT had interfacial interaction with PAN matrices. The surface morphology of functionalized MWCNT and PAN/MWCNT nanocomposites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical properties of PAN/MWCNT nanocomposites were measured and the result indicated that the conductivity increased with increasing concentration of MWCNTs. The oxygen permeability of PAN/MWCNT nanocomposites gradually increased with increase of MWCNT concentration, the result which was in agreement with the vertical alignment ofMWCNT in SEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of alkalization on tensile, impact, and fatigue properties of hemp fiber composites
Authors: Shahzad Asim
Published: May 2012

The effects of alkalization surface treatment on hemp fiber properties and the properties of hemp fiber–reinforced polyester composites have been studied. Hemp fibers were exposed to 1, 5, and 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. The tensile properties and interfacial shear strength of all alkalized fibers were found to lie within the range of nonalkalized fibers. Laminates were made of alkalized fibers with unsaturated polyester resin, using hand lay‐up and compression moulding. Alkalization of fibers at low concentrations of 1 and 5% resulted in improvements in tensile and fatigue properties of composites made from these fibers, but no such improvements were observed for 10% alkalized fiber composites. The improvements were attributed to improvement in fiber/matrix bonding after this treatment, which was also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images. No improvement in impact damage tolerance was observed for any of these three alkalized fiber composites. Immersion in distilled water reduced water absorption compared with nonalkalized fiber composites; however, the tensile properties in water were similar to those for nonalkalized fiber composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and thermal properties of rubber composites reinforced by zinc methacrylate and carbon black
Authors: Chae Hee Dong , Basuli Utpal , Lee Ji Hong , Lim Chun Il , Lee Ran Hee , Kim Sung Choul , Jeon Nam Duk , Nah Changwoon
Published: May 2012

Zinc methacrylate (ZMA) and carbon black (CB) are incorporated into natural rubber/butadiene rubber matrix by direct mixing in a Banbury mixer. Tensile and tear tests showed that CB has a great reinforcing effect on rubber matrix. The results show that the amount of ZMA also plays an important role in mechanical properties. The addition of ZMA resulted in a significant increase of the optimum cure time even at lower loading. Incorporation of ZMA improved mechanical properties, such as tensile modulus and cure reinforcing parameter. The extraordinary improvement in properties is due to the formation of covalent and ionic crosslink. The composite containing only CB shows higher elongation at break, superior tensile strength, and tear strength than ZMA‐filled composites. Reinforcing effect of different composites has also been evaluated using different theoretical model. It has been observed that blowout time became slower and blowout temperature became higher as the ZMA content of the specimen increased. This represents multiple interactions between ZMA and rubber matrix. On the basis of the experimental results, possible mechanisms for reinforcement and microstructure of ZMA/rubber composites have been proposed. Both ZMA and CB provide better thermal stability especially for the composites, where the highest reinforcement effect is observed by mechanical analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Antibodies for profiling the human proteome—The Human Protein Atlas as a resource for cancer research
Authors: Asplund Anna , Edqvist Per‐Henrik D. , Schwenk Jochen M. , Pontén Fredrik
Published: May 2012

In this review, we present an update on the progress of the Human Protein Atlas, with an emphasis on strategies for validating immunohistochemistry‐based protein expression patterns and on the possibilities to extend the map of protein expression patterns for cancer research projects. The objectives underlying the Human Protein Atlas include (i) the generation of validated antibodies toward a major isoform of all proteins encoded by the human genome, (ii) creating an information database of protein expression patterns in normal human tissues, in cells, and in cancer, and (iii) utilizing generated antibodies and protein expression data as tools to identify clinically useful biomarkers. The success of such an effort is dependent on the validity of antibodies as specific binders of intended targets in applications used to map protein expression patterns. The development of strategies to support specific target binding is crucial and remains a challenge as a large fraction of proteins encoded by the human genome is poorly characterized, including the approximately one‐third of all proteins lacking evidence of existence. Conceivable methods for validation include the use of paired antibodies, i.e. two independent antibodies targeting different and nonoverlapping epitopes on the same protein as well as comparative analysis of mRNA expression patterns with corresponding proteins.
Identification of C6‐ceramide‐interacting proteins in D6P2T Schwannoma cells
Authors: Kota Venkatesh , Szulc Zdzislaw M. , Hama Hiroko
Published: May 2012

Ceramide is a bioactive molecule involved in numerous cell signaling pathways that are associated with cell cycle control, differentiation, senescence, and apoptosis. Although substantial knowledge about ceramide‐regulated pathways has accumulated in the past decade, molecular mechanisms of ceramide action remain poorly understood, primarily due to limited information about ceramide‐binding proteins. In the present study, we used affinity purification with a synthetic biotin‐conjugated C6‐ceramide analogue and LC‐MS/MS to identify potential ceramide‐interacting proteins in D6P2T Schwannoma cells. The purification resulted in identification of 97 unique proteins. The identified proteins are involved in various cellular processes, including apoptosis, cellular stress, cell cycle, cell differentiation, signaling, transcription, translation, protein biogenesis, metabolism, and transport.
Molecular and structural characterization of the SH3 domain of AHI‐1 in regulation of cellular resistance of BCR‐ABL+ chronic myeloid leukemia cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Liu Xiaohu , Chen Min , Lobo Paolo , An Jianghong , Grace Cheng S.W. , Moradian Annie , Morin Gregg B. , Van Petegem Filip , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2012

ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy induces clinical remission in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients but early relapses and later emergence of TKI‐resistant disease remain problematic. We recently demonstrated that the AHI‐1 oncogene physically interacts with BCR‐ABL and JAK2 and mediates cellular resistance to TKI in CML stem/progenitor cells. We now show that deletion of the SH3 domain of AHI‐1 significantly enhances apoptotic response of BCR‐ABL+ cells to TKIs compared to cells expressing full‐length AHI‐1. We have also discovered a novel interaction between AHI‐1 and Dynamin‐2, a GTPase, through the AHI‐1 SH3 domain. The crystal structure of the AHI‐1 SH3 domain at 1.53‐Å resolution reveals that it adopts canonical SH3 folding, with the exception of an unusual C‐terminal α helix. PD1R peptide, known to interact with the PI3K SH3 domain, was used to model the binding pattern between the AHI‐1 SH3 domain and its ligands. These studies showed that an “Arg‐Arg‐Trp” stack may form within the binding interface, providing a potential target site for designing specific drugs. The crystal structure of the AHI‐1 SH3 domain thus provides a valuable tool for identification of key interaction sites in regulation of drug resistance and for the development of small molecule inhibitors for CML.
Diverse monoclonal antibodies against the CA 19‐9 antigen show variation in binding specificity with consequences for clinical interpretation
Authors: Partyka Katie , Maupin Kevin A. , Brand Randall E. , Haab Brian B.
Published: May 2012

The CA 19‐9 antigen is currently the best individual marker for the detection of pancreatic cancer. In order to optimize the CA 19‐9 assay and to develop approaches to further improve cancer detection, it is important to understand the specificity differences between CA 19‐9 antibodies and the consequential affect on biomarker performance. Antibody arrays enabled multiplexed comparisons between five different CA 19‐9 antibodies used in the analysis of plasma samples from pancreatic cancer patients and controls. Major differences were observed between antibodies in their detection of particular patient samples. Glycan array analysis revealed that certain antibodies were highly specific for the canonical CA 19‐9 epitope, sialyl‐Lewis A, while others bound sialyl‐Lewis A in addition to a related structure called sialyl‐Lewis C and modification with Nue5Gc. In a much larger patient cohort, we confirmed the binding of sialyl‐Lewis C glycan by one of the antibodies and showed that the broader specificity led to the detection of an increased number of cancer patients without increasing detection of pancreatitis patient samples. This work demonstrates that variation between antibody specificity for cancer‐associated glycans can have significant implications for biomarker performance and highlights the value of characterizing and detecting the range of glycan structures that are elevated in cancer.
Plasma Sterilization of Pharmaceutical Products: From Basics to Production
Authors: Denis Benjamin , Steves Simon , Semmler Egmont , Bibinov Nikita , Novak Wenzel , Awakowicz Peter
Published: May 2012

For the first time, a commercial low pressure plasma sterilization system integrated in a pharmaceutical filling line is presented. The route from a laboratory plasma reactor to an industry scale plasma sterilization reactor is shown. Absolutely calibrated measurements (e.g. OES and Langmuir probe) yield to a knowledge transfer from an experimental set‐up to an industrial reactor. Spore count reduction of 4 log in 10 s of Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus subtilis spores prove the applicability of an industrial grade plasma sterilization reactor for transfer isolators typically used in pharmaceutical filling and packaging lines.

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Low vegetable intake is associated with allergic asthma and moderate‐to‐severe airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Protudjer Jennifer L.P. , Sevenhuysen Gustaaf P. , Ramsey Clare D. , Kozyrskyj Anita L. , Becker Allan B.
Published: May 2012

Background

In recent decades, children's diet quality has changed and asthma prevalence has increased, although it remains unclear if these events are associated.

Objective

To examine children's total and component diet quality and asthma and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a proxy for asthma severity.

Methods

Food frequency questionnaires adapted from the Nurses' Health Study and supplemented with foods whose nutrients which have garnered interest of late in relation to asthma were administered. From these data, diet quality scores (total and component), based on the Youth Healthy Eating Index (YHEI adapted) were developed. Asthma assessments were performed by pediatric allergists and classified by atopic status: Allergic asthma (≥1 positive skin prick test to common allergens >3 mm compared to negative control) versus non‐allergic asthma (negative skin prick test). AHR was assessed via the Cockcroft technique. Participants included 270 boys (30% with asthma) and 206 girls (33% with asthma) involved in the 1995 Manitoba Prospective Cohort Study nested case‐control study. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between diet quality and asthma, and multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations between diet quality and AHR.

Results

Four hundred seventy six children (56.7% boys) were seen at 12.6 ± 0.5 years. Asthma and AHR prevalence were 26.2 and 53.8%, respectively. In fully adjusted models, high vegetable intake was protective against allergic asthma (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.29–0.84; P < 0.009) and moderate/severe AHR (OR 0.58; 0.37–0.91; P < 0.019).

Conclusions

Vegetable intake is inversely associated with allergic asthma and moderate/severe AHR. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:1159–1169. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nicotinamide and picolinamide in phospholipid monolayers
Authors: Florencia Martini María , Disalvo Edgardo Aníbal , Pickholz Mónica
Published: May 2012

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to investigate the interactions between nicotinamide (NA) and picolinamide (PA) with Langmuir monolayers of zwitterionic lipids: dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE). Our results for the DMPC monolayers show that both NA and PA molecules are essentially found at the lipid/water interface and present orientational disorder of the molecules. In the case of DMPE monolayers, the pyridine nitrogen seems to be located deeper inside the monolayer than the amide group, for both isomers, being the effect higher for PA. We have computed electrostatic surface potentials and found qualitatively good agreement with experimental results. The different orientation and specific interactions of each molecule determine changes in the head orientation of the phospholipids, as the case of PA in DMPE monolayers, or in the orientation of the water dipoles, as it is the case of PA in DMPC monolayers. Through these analyses, we were able to capture the main contributions to the electrostatic potential in each system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local HSAB rationalization of diels–alder reactions by means of ab initio and ABEEMσπ methods: Stereoselectivity and reaction rate
Authors: Zhao Dong‐Xia , Xu Zhen‐Zhen , Yang Zhong‐Zhi
Published: May 2012

In this article, four series of Diels–Alder (DA) reactions (totally, 68 reactions) have been investigated, including their transition states, by means of ab initio method at MP2/6‐311+G(d,p) level and atom‐bond electronegativity equalization method (ABEEMσπ) method. The rationalization of stereoselectivities of these DA reactions has been done in the light of the local hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) criterion. The results show that the finite difference approximation with ab initio method can not always be used to predict the stereoselectivities of these reactions, while ABEEMσπ method can properly be applied to predict the stereoselectivities of these DA reactions. Moreover, we have proposed the generalized Fukui function and local softness which involve the number of the atoms of a molecule. For the first time, we here demonstrate that local HSAB criterion with the generalized local softness can be utilized not only to predict the main products of these DA reactions but also to rationalize the relative magnitudes of the reaction rate constants of these DA reactions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.