bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluence plays a critical role on the subsequent distribution of chemotherapy and tumor growth delay in murine mesothelioma xenografts pre‐treated by photodynamic therapy
Authors: Wang Yabo , Wang Xingyu , Le Bitoux Marie‐Aude , Wagnieres Georges , Vandenbergh Hubert , Gonzalez Michel , Ris Hans‐Beat , Perentes Jean Y , Krueger Thorsten 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundThe pre‐conditioning of tumor vessels by low‐dose photodynamic therapy (L‐PDT) was shown to enhance the distribution of chemotherapy in different tumor types. However, how light dose affects drug distribution and tumor response is unknown. Here we determined the effect of L‐PDT fluence on vascular transport in human mesothelioma xenografts. The best L‐PDT conditions regarding drug transport were then combined with Lipoplatin® to determine tumor response. in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:323–330, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.MethodsNude mice bearing dorsal skinfold chambers were implanted with H‐Meso1 cells. Tumors were treated by Visudyne®‐mediated photodynamic therapy with 100 mW/cm2 fluence rate and a variable fluence (5, 10, 30, and 50 J/cm2). FITC‐Dextran (FITC‐D) distribution was assessed in real time in tumor and normal tissues. Tumor response was then determined with best L‐PDT conditions combined to Lipoplatin® and compared to controls in luciferase expressing H‐Meso1 tumors by size and whole body bioluminescence assessment (n = 7/group).ResultsTumor uptake of FITC‐D following L‐PDT was significantly enhanced by 10‐fold in the 10 J/cm2 but not in the 5, 30, and 50 J/cm2 groups compared to controls. Normal surrounding tissue uptake of FITC‐D following L‐PDT was significantly enhanced in the 30 J/cm2 and 50 J/cm2 groups compared to controls. Altogether, the FITC‐D tumor to normal tissue ratio was significantly higher in the 10 J/cm2 group compared others. Tumor growth was significantly delayed in animals treated by 10 J/cm2‐L‐PDT combined to Lipoplatin® compared to controls.ConclusionsFluence of L‐PDT is critical for the optimal distribution and effect of subsequently administered chemotherapy. These findings have an importance for the clinical translation of the vascular L‐PDT concept in the clinics. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:323–330, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Triptycene‐Based Microporous Organic Polymer Bearing Tridentate Ligands and Its Application in Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Wen Qiang , Zhou Tian‐You , Zhao Qiao‐Ling , Fu Jie , Ma Zhi , Zhao Xin 
Published: January 2015

A triptycene‐based microporous organic polymer (MOP) in which 2,6‐bis(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine (bbp) is incorporated as linkage and coordination site is designed and synthesized. Pd(II) ions are further immobilized in this MOP through the coordination interactions between Pd(II) ion and nitrogen atoms of bbp. The resulting material shows high stability and exhibits excellent heterogeneously catalytic activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. Its high efficiency can be maintained after being reused for a number of cycles.
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Long‐Lived Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complexes Conjugated with Cationic Polyfluorenes for Heparin Sensing and Cellular Imaging
Authors: Jiang Jiayang , Zhang Chuanqi , Lin Wenpeng , Liu Yahong , Liu Shujuan , Xu Yunjian , Zhao Qiang , Huang Wei 
Published: January 2015

The applications of conjugated polyelectrolytes in biosensing and bioimaging have attracted more and more research interests due to their excellent photophysical properties. In this work, a new series of conjugated polyelectrolytes containing long‐lived phosphorescent Ir(III) complexes is designed and synthesized, which can be used for ratiometric and lifetime‐based sensing of heparin utilizing the electrostatic interaction between cationic polymers and anionic heparin. By changing the ligand structures of Ir(III) complexes, the sensing performances of phosphorescent‐conjugated polyelectrolytes (PCPEs) are optimized. In addition, the application of PCPEs in cellular imaging is carried out. These polymers can be applied for specific staining of cell membrane. Importantly, utilizing the long emission lifetime of phosphorescent signal of Ir(III) complexes, time‐gated luminescent imaging is carried out, which can eliminate the short‐lived background fluorescence interferences from the environment or biological samples.
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Molecular dynamics investigation of the ionic liquid/enzyme interface: Application to engineering enzyme surface charge
Authors: Burney Patrick R. , Nordwald Erik M. , Hickman Katie , Kaar Joel L. , Pfaendtner Jim 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTMolecular simulations of the enzymes Candida rugosa lipase and Bos taurus α‐chymotrypsin in aqueous ionic liquids 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate were used to study the change in enzyme–solvent interactions induced by modification of the enzyme surface charge. The enzymes were altered by randomly mutating lysine surface residues to glutamate, effectively decreasing the net surface charge by two for each mutation. These mutations resemble succinylation of the enzyme by chemical modification, which has been shown to enhance the stability of both enzymes in ILs. After establishing that the enzymes were stable on the simulated time scales, we focused the analysis on the organization of the ionic liquid substituents about the enzyme surface. Calculated solvent charge densities show that for both enzymes and in both solvents that changing positively charged residues to negative charge does indeed increase the charge density of the solvent near the enzyme surface. The radial distribution of IL constituents with respect to the enzyme reveals decreased interactions with the anion are prevalent in the modified systems when compared to the wild type, which is largely accompanied by an increase in cation contact. Additionally, the radial dependence of the charge density and ion distribution indicates that the effect of altering enzyme charge is confined to short range (≤1 nm) ordering of the IL. Ultimately, these results, which are consistent with that from prior experiments, provide molecular insight into the effect of enzyme surface charge on enzyme stability in ILs. Proteins 2015; 83:670–680. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of conformational changes in diabetes‐associated mutation in insulin a chain: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Kim Yong Hwan , Kastner Kevin , Abdul‐Wahid Badi , Izaguirre Jesús A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTInsulin plays a central role in the regulation of metabolism in humans. Mutations in the insulin gene can impair the folding of its precursor protein, proinsulin, and cause permanent neonatal‐onset diabetes mellitus known as Mutant INS‐gene induced Diabetes of Youth (MIDY) with insulin deficiency. To gain insights into the molecular basis of this diabetes‐associated mutation, we perform molecular dynamics simulations in wild‐type and mutant (CysA7 to Tyr or C(A7)Y) insulin A chain in aqueous solutions. The C(A7)Y mutation is one of the identified mutations that impairs the protein folding by substituting the cysteine residue which is required for the disulfide bond formation. A comparative analysis reveals structural differences between the wild‐type and the mutant conformations. The analyzed mutant insulin A chain forms a metastable state with major effects on its N‐terminal region. This suggests that MIDY mutant involves formation of a partially folded intermediate with conformational change in N‐terminal region in A chain that generates flexible N‐terminal domain. This may lead to the abnormal interactions with other proinsulins in the aggregation process. Proteins 2015; 83:662–669. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenetic Regulation Contributes to Urocortin-Enhanced Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation
Authors: Huang Hsin-Yi , Chiu Tsung-Lang , Chang Hui-Fen , Hsu Hui-Ru , Pang Cheng-Yoong , Liew Hock-Kean , Wang Mei-Jen 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The production of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons requires precise extrinsic inductive signals and intrinsic transcriptional cascade at a specific time point in development. Urocortin (UCN) is a peptide of the corticotropin-releasing hormone family that mediates various responses to stress. UCN was first cloned from adult rat midbrain. However, the contribution of UCN to the development of mDA neurons is poorly understood. Here, we show that UCN is endogenously expressed in the developing ventral midbrain (VM) and its receptors are exhibited in Nurr1+ postmitotic mDA precursors and TH+ neurons, suggesting possible roles in regulating their terminal differentiation. UCN treatment increased DA cell numbers in rat VM precursor cultures by promoting the conversion of Nurr1+ precursors into DA neurons. Furthermore, neutralization of secreted UCN with anti-UCN antibody resulted in a reduction in the number of DA neurons. UCN induced an abundance of acetylated histone H3 and enhanced late DA regulator Nurr1, Foxa2, and Pitx3 expressions. Using pharmacological and RNA interference approaches, we further demonstrated that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition and late transcriptional factors upregulation contribute to UCN-mediated DA neuron differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that UCN promoted histone acetylation of chromatin surrounding the TH promoter by directly inhibiting HDAC and releasing of methyl CpG binding protein 2-CoREST-HDAC1 repressor complex from the promoter, ultimately leading to an increase in Nurr1/coactivators-mediated transcription of TH gene. Moreover, UCN treatment in vivo also resulted in increased DA neuron differentiation. These findings suggest that UCN might contribute to regulate late mDA neuron differentiation during VM development. Stem Cells 2015;33:1601–1617
Advances in the synthesis and application of nanoparticles for drug delivery
Authors: Park Wooram , Na Kun 
Published: January 2015

The continuous development of drug delivery systems (DDSs) has been extensively researched by the need to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing undesirable side effects. Nanoparticle technology was recently shown to hold great promise for drug delivery applications in nanomedicine due to its beneficial properties, such as better encapsulation, bioavailability, control release, and lower toxic effect. Despite the great progress in nanomedicine, there remain many limitations for clinical application. To overcome these limitations, advanced nanoparticles for drug delivery have been developed to enable the spatially and temporally controlled release of drugs in response to specific stimuli at disease sites. Furthermore, the controlled self‐assembly of organic and inorganic materials may enable their use in theranostic applications. This review presents an overview of a recent advanced nanoparticulate system that can be used as a potential drug delivery carrier and focuses on the potential applications of nanoparticles in various biomedical fields for human health care. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:494–508. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1325This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide‐Guided Risk Assessment for Postoperative Complications in Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Nojiri Takashi , Inoue Masayoshi , Shintani Yasushi , Takeuchi Yukiyasu , Maeda Hajime , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Okumura Meinoshin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundSince lung cancer surgery is still associated with a high complication rate, it is important to efficiently identify patients at high risk for postoperative complications following lung cancer surgery. We previously reported that elderly patients with elevated preoperative B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (>30 pg/mL) have an increased risk for postoperative atrial fibrillation and cardiopulmonary complications following lung cancer surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of BNP‐guided risk classification for postoperative complications after lung cancer surgery.MethodsA total of 675 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery for lung cancer in two specialized thoracic centers between 2007 and 2011 were included in this retrospective study. We evaluated the association between the incidence of postoperative complications and preoperative BNP levels.ResultsUnivariable and multivariable stepwise logistic regression analyses revealed that an elevated preoperative BNP level was the most significant predictor of postoperative complications. All patients were classified by their preoperative BNP levels into a normal group (<30 pg/mL), a mildly elevated group (30–100 pg/mL), and a severely elevated group (>100 pg/mL). The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the severely and mildly elevated groups than in the control group (85 % and 47 % vs. 11 %, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, there were more severe complications and a higher mortality rate in the severely elevated group.ConclusionsRisk assessment using preoperative BNP levels was clinically useful for the identification of patients at high risk for postoperative complications.
The role of port authorities in the development of LNG bunkering facilities in North European ports
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Notteboom Theo 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLiquefied natural gas (LNG) serves as an attractive fuel for ships to meet the upcoming stringent environmental regulations enacted by IMO, particularly at the level of emission control areas (ECA). The use of LNG promises a good environmental performance and a foreseeable economic viability. However, a general absence of bunkering infrastructure in seaports is a significant barrier currently preventing the breakthrough of the use of LNG as a ship fuel. Against this backdrop, we observe that public port authorities are playing a proactive role in facilitating the use of LNG as a marine fuel. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the role of port authorities in the development of LNG bunkering facilities and to investigate why and how port authorities promote this new application. A multiple-case study approach is adopted to examine the performance of eight North European port authorities in their LNG bunkering projects. The paper provides a deeper understanding of the current port practices in developing LNG bunkering facilities in North Europe and identifies the important role of the evolving port function beyond the tradition model in promoting innovations. The paper also proposes a set of port implementation policies on the facilitation and promotion of the use of LNG as a ship fuel.
Proper genomic profiling of (BRCA1‐mutated) basal‐like breast carcinomas requires prior removal of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Massink Maarten P.G. , Kooi Irsan E. , van Mil Saskia E. , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , Ameziane Najim , Dorsman Josephine C. , van Beek Daphne M. , van der Voorn J. Patrick , Sie Daoud , Ylstra Bauke , van Deurzen Carolien H.M. , Martens John W. , Smid Marcel , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , de Weerd Vanja , Foekens John A. , van den Ouweland Ans M.W. , van Dyk Ewald , Nederlof Petra M. , Waisfisz Quinten , Meijers-Heijboer Hanne 
Published: January 2015

IntroductionBRCA1‐mutated breast carcinomas may have distinct biological features, suggesting the involvement of specific oncogenic pathways in tumor development. The identification of genomic aberrations characteristic for BRCA1‐mutated breast carcinomas could lead to a better understanding of BRCA1‐associated oncogenic events and could prove valuable in clinical testing for BRCA1‐involvement in patients.MethodsFor this purpose, genomic and gene expression profiles of basal‐like BRCA1‐mutated breast tumors (n = 27) were compared with basal‐like familial BRCAX (non‐BRCA1/2/CHEK2*1100delC) tumors (n = 14) in a familial cohort of 120 breast carcinomas.ResultsGenome wide copy number profiles of the BRCA1‐mutated breast carcinomas in our data appeared heterogeneous. Gene expression analyses identified varying amounts of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a major cause for this heterogeneity. Indeed, selecting tumors with relative low amounts of TILs, resulted in the identification of three known but also five previously unrecognized BRCA1‐associated copy number aberrations. Moreover, these aberrations occurred with high frequencies in the BRCA1‐mutated tumor samples. Using these regions it was possible to discriminate BRCA1‐mutated from BRCAX breast carcinomas, and they were validated in two independent cohorts. To further substantiate our findings, we used flow cytometry to isolate cancer cells from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded, BRCA1‐mutated triple negative breast carcinomas with estimated TIL percentages of 40% and higher. Genomic profiles of sorted and unsorted fractions were compared by shallow whole genome sequencing and confirm our findings.ConclusionThis study shows that genomic profiling of in particular basal‐like, and thus BRCA1‐mutated, breast carcinomas is severely affected by the presence of high numbers of TILs. Previous reports on genomic profiling of BRCA1‐mutated breast carcinomas have largely neglected this. Therefore, our findings have direct consequences on the interpretation of published genomic data. Also, these findings could prove valuable in light of currently used genomic tools for assessing BRCA1‐involvement in breast cancer patients and pathogenicity assessment of BRCA1 variants of unknown significance. The BRCA1‐associated genomic aberrations identified in this study provide possible leads to a better understanding of BRCA1‐associated oncogenesis.
Femoral Neck Stress Fractures and Imaging Features of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Goldin Michael , Anderson Christian N. , Fredericson Michael , Safran Marc R. , Stevens Kathryn J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrior literature has suggested an association between the radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and femoral neck stress fractures (FNSF) or femoral neck stress reactions (FNSR). At the time of the writing of this article, no study has described the association of FAI and FNSF/FNSR along with the need for surgical intervention and outcomes.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of radiographic features of FAI in patients diagnosed with FNSF.DesignRetrospective case series.SettingTertiary care, institutional setting.PatientsA medical records search program (Stanford Translational Research Integrated Database Environment, Stanford University, California) was used to retrospectively search for patients 18‐40 years old with a history of FNSF or FNSR. The records were obtained from the period July 25, 2003, to September 23, 2011.MethodsFor assessment of risk factors, plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging studies were reviewed for features of cam or pincer FAI. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether patients required operative intervention.Main Outcome MeasuresIncidence of abnormal alpha (α) angle, abnormal anterior offset ratio, abnormal femoral head‐neck junction, coxa profunda, positive crossover sign, and abnormal lateral center‐to‐edge angle.ResultsTwenty‐one female and 3 male participants (mean age 27 years, range 19‐39 years) were identified with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of femoral neck stress injury. Cam morphology was seen in 10 patients (42%). Pincer morphology could be assessed in 18 patients, with coxa profunda in 14 (78%) and acetabular retroversion in 6 (14%). Features of combined pincer and cam impingement were observed in 4 patients (17%). Seven patients (29%) had operative intervention, with 3 (12%) requiring internal fixation of their femoral neck fractures, and all had radiographic evidence of fracture union after surgery. Four patients (17%) had persistent symptoms after healing of their FNSF with conservative treatment and eventually required surgery for FAI, 3 had no pain at final follow‐up 1 year post‐surgery, and one patient was lost to follow‐up.ConclusionThe results of the current study suggest that patients in the general population with femoral neck stress injuries have a higher incidence of bony abnormalities associated with pincer impingement, including coxa profunda and acetabular retroversion, although it is unclear whether pincer FAI is a true risk factor in the development of FNSF.
Regional Infection Control Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Knowledge and Practice
Authors: Black Stephanie R. , Weaver Kingsley N. , Weinstein Robert A. , Hayden Mary K. , Lin Michael Y. , Lavin Mary Alice , Gerber Susan I. 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVEMultidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are an increasing burden among healthcare facilities. We assessed facility-level perceived importance of and responses to various MDROs.DESIGNA pilot survey to assess staffing, knowledge, and the perceived importance of and response to various multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs)SETTINGAcute care and long-term healthcare facilitiesMETHODSIn 2012, a survey was distributed to infection preventionists at ~300 healthcare facilities. Pathogens assessed were Clostridium difficile, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, multidrug-resistant (defined as bacterial resistance to ≥3 antibiotic classes) Pseudomonas, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli.RESULTSA total of 74 unique facilities responded, including 44 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and 30 acute care facilities (ACFs). While ACFs consistently isolated patients with active infections or colonization due to these MDROs, SNFs had more variable responses. SNFs had more multi-occupancy rooms and reported less specialized training in infection control and prevention than did ACFs. Of all facilities with multi-occupancy rooms, 86% employed a cohorting practice for patients, compared with 50% of those without multi-occupancy rooms; 20% of ACFs and 7% of SNFs cohorted staff while caring for patients with the same MDRO. MRSA and C. difficile were identified as important pathogens in ACFs and SNFs, while CRE importance was unknown or was considered important in <50% of SNFs.CONCLUSIONWe identified stark differences in human resources, knowledge, policy, and practice between ACFs and SNFs. For regional control of emerging MDROs like CRE, there is an opportunity for public health officials to provide targeted education and interventions. Education campaigns must account for differences in audience resources and baseline knowledge.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–6