bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro characteristics of a gelling PEGDA‐QT polymer system with model drug release for cerebral aneurysm embolization
Authors: Soodak Kristen F. , Brennecka Celeste R. , Vernon Brent L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA liquid‐to‐solid gelling polymer system, such as the poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate‐pentaerythritol tetrakis (3‐mercaptopropionate) (PEGDA‐QT) system, can fill cerebral aneurysms more completely than current embolization materials, reducing the likelihood of aneurysm recurrence. PEGDA‐QT gels were formulated using PEGDA of different molecular weights (PEGDA575 and PEGDA700), and their characteristics were examined in vitro. Experiments examined gel time, mass change, crosslink integrity, cytotoxicity, and protein release capabilities. In general, PEGDA575‐QT gels were more hydrophobic, requiring an initiating solution with a higher pH (pH 9.5) to achieve a gel time comparable to PEGDA700‐QT gels, which used an initiating solution at pH 9.19. The mass change and crosslink integrity of gels were analyzed over time after gels were submerged in 150 mM phosphate buffered saline. After 380 days, PEGDA575‐QT gels achieved a maximum mass increase of 72% due to water uptake, while PEGDA700‐QT gels doubled their initial mass (100% increase) by 165 days. Compression tests showed that PEGDA700‐QT gels hydrolyzed more quickly than PEGDA575‐QT gels. Cytotoxicity assays showed that in general, PEGDA575‐QT negatively affected cell growth, while PEGDA700‐QT gels promoted cell viability. Sustained, controlled release of lysozyme, a 14.3 kDa protein, was achieved over an 8‐week period when loaded into PEGDA700‐QT gels, but PEGDA575‐QT gels did not show sustained release. These studies show that although they are similar in composition, these PEGDA‐QT gel formulations behave considerably differently. Although PEGDA700‐QT gels swell more and degrade faster than PEGDA575‐QT gels, their cytocompatibility and protein release characteristics may prove to be more beneficial for in vivo aneurysm treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 101B: 1477–1488, 2013.
Sensitive and Selective Gold Nanomaterials Based Optical Probes
Authors: Ho Lin‐Chen , Wang Chia‐Wei , Roy Prathik , Chang Huan‐Tsung 
Published: October 2013

AbstractGold nanomaterials (Au NMs) based optical probes have recently attracted considerable attention in the analysis of environmental and biological samples due to their simplicity, sensitivity, and selectivity. Au nanoparticles (NPs) having unique size‐ and shape‐dependent optical properties, high extinction coefficients, and super‐quenching capability, have been employed for development of sensitive absorption, fluorescence quenching, and light scattering approaches. On the other hand, small sizes of fluorescent Au nanodots (NDs) have been used for the photoluminescent detection of analytes. Preparation and optical properties of Au NMs are briefly discussed. Au NMs based colorimetric, fluorescent, and light scattering approaches for the detection of metal ion, DNA, and proteins are highlighted with respects to their simplicity in preparation, stability, selectivity, and sensitivity. The advantages and disadvantages of different detection methods for sensing of interesting analytes using functional Au NMs are discussed. DNA‐Au NMs are particularly emphasized to show their advantages for the detection of toxic heavy metal ions, specific sequence DNA, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), and thrombin.
Transient Infrared Absorption Spectra of Reaction Intermediates Detected with a Step‐scan Fourier‐transform Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Huang Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Jin‐Dah , Hsu Kuo‐Hsiang , Chu Li‐Kang , Lee Yuan‐Pern 
Published: October 2013

AbstractOur group has utilized a step‐scan FTIR spectrometer operating in the absorption mode to characterize transient species in chemical reactions upon photo‐irradiation of gaseous mixtures in a multipass White cell. The operational temporal resolution is typically 1‐10 μs with spectral resolution 0.1‐4 cm−1, depending on conditions. The acquisition of both ac‐ and dc‐coupled signals enables an extraction of minute changes in the large background signal to attain a typical detectable absorbance variation greater than 1 × 10−4. By consideration of reaction mechanisms and comparison of vibrational wavenumbers, IR intensities, and rotational contours predicted with theoretical calculations, we have assigned IR absorption bands of many important atmospheric free radicals and unstable species including their conformers, such as ClCO, ClSO, ClCS, ClCOOH, CH3SO2, CH3SOO, CH3OSO, CH3SO, CH3OO, CH3C(O)OO, CH2OO C6H5CO, C6H5SO2, and C6H5C(O)OO. The advantages and limitations of this technique to perform spectral and kinetic investigations of transient species in chemical reactions are discussed.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance validation of fractional changes in annulo‐apical angles and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion for rapid assessment of right ventricular systolic function
Authors: Zakeri Simon A. , Panayotova Rosica , Borg Alexander N. , Miller Christopher A. , Schmitt Matthias 
Published: October 2013

PurposeTo evaluate the use of right ventricular (RV) annulo‐apical angle (AA) changes acquired by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), alongside tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), for its association with RV systolic function.Materials and MethodsThirty patients with varying RV dysfunction and 10 normal controls were enrolled and scanned after obtaining written consent. Systolic change in AAs, alpha (α), beta (β), and theta (θ), subtended by a triangle connecting the septal and lateral extent of the tricuspid valve annulus and RV apex, and TAPSE were measured. Spearman rank correlations of parameters with RV ejection fraction (RVEF) were performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine accuracy of these surrogate markers for detecting abnormal RVEF.ResultsCorrelations with RVEF included: TAPSE (r = 0.74 P < 0.001), fractional systolic changes in α angle (0.64, P < 0.001), β angle (−0.39, P < 0.05), and θ angle (−0.77, P < 0.001). The best markers for RVEF <50% were fractional θ angle change ≥ –25.5% (eg, −24%) (sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 91%), and TAPSE ≤1.87 cm (sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 82%). Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients for fractional θ angle change (intra = 0.96, inter = 0.94) and TAPSE (intra = 0.98, inter = 0.87).ConclusionFractional θ angle change is a useful semiquantitative parameter associated with the presence and severity of RV systolic dysfunction, with high observer agreement. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:133–139. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient reported outcomes in endoscopic and open transcervical treatment for Zenker's diverticulum
Authors: Seth Rahul , Rajasekaran Karthik , Lee Walter T. , Lorenz Robert R. , Wood Benjamin G. , Kominsky Alan , Scharpf Joseph 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo compare long‐term symptomatic outcomes between external transcervical (ET) and endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy (ESD) surgeries for Zenker's diverticulum.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsPatients undergoing surgery for Zenker's diverticulum surgery between 1998 and 2010 with at least 1 year follow‐up were telephoned and questioned for dysphagia, choking, regurgitation, and halitosis based on a validated Gastrointestinal Quality‐of‐Life Index. Symptom degree preoperatively and at phone call was assessed. Patients rated their overall postoperative symptoms as worsened, unchanged, improved, or completely resolved.ResultsA total of 96 patients were eligible for inclusion and 55 were successfully contacted. Of these, 24 underwent ESD and 31 had ET operations. Average follow‐up time was significantly longer for the ET group than the ESD group (5.7 vs. 3.1 years respectively, P < 0.01). Gender, age at operation, diverticulum size, and preoperative symptom scores were not statistically different between the two groups. For both techniques, symptom scores showed significant improvement postoperatively (P < 0.01). A greater proportion of patients undergoing ET procedures reported their symptoms to be completely resolved or improved compared with the ESD group (93% vs. 67%, P = 0.015). Patients undergoing ET demonstrated a greater change or improvement in survey score compared to ESD patients (7.23 vs. 3.42, P = 0.014).ConclusionBoth the ET and ESD surgeries significantly benefit patients, regardless of diverticulum size. Long‐term symptomatic outcomes between the two populations indicate that patients with ET procedures attain a greater degree of resolution of preoperative symptoms.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:119–125, 2014
Novel Bioactive Amino‐Functionalized Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Roemhild Katrin , Wiegand Cornelia , Hipler Uta‐Christina , Heinze Thomas 
Published: October 2013

Amino‐cellulose‐based nanofibers are prepared by electrospinning of blended solutions of 6‐deoxy‐6‐trisaminoethyl‐amino (TEAE) cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The TEAE cellulose with a degree of substitution of 0.67 is synthesized via a nucleophilic displacement reaction starting from cellulose‐p‐toluenesulfonic acid ester. Several solution characteristics such as polymer concentration, electrical conductivity, and surface tension as well as setup parameters are investigated to optimize the ability of nanofiber formation. These parameters are evaluated using the rheological studies of the solutions. The nanofibers obtained are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and show a high antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
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Reg4‐induced mitogenesis involves Akt‐GSK3β‐β‐Catenin‐TCF‐4 signaling in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Bishnupuri Kumar S , Sainathan Satheesh K , Bishnupuri Kislay , Leahy Devon R , Luo Qizhi , Anant Shrikant , Houchen Courtney W , Dieckgraefe Brian K 
Published: October 2013

AbstractUpregulation of regenerating gene 4 (Reg4) is observed in many human gastrointestinal malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC). We previously reported a Reg4‐mediated induction of epidermal growth factor receptor‐Akt‐AP1 signaling regulating CRC cell apoptosis. However, the role of Reg4 in the regulation of CRC cell division is poorly understood. This study tests the hypothesis that Reg4 induces Akt‐GSK3β‐β‐Catenin‐TCF‐4 signaling to regulate CRC cell division. In vitro models of human CRC were used to determine the role of Reg4 in regulation of CRC cell division. Cell cycle studies demonstrated that Reg4 treatment significantly decreased CRC cell number in G1 phase and increased in G2 phase. Subsequently Reg4 significantly increased the mitotic index of CRC cells. As assessed by real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blot analyses, Reg4 significantly increased the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes Cyclin D1 and D3, and associated Cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDK4 and CDK6). Reg4‐mediated increase in these genes involved a pathway that included an induced Akt activity by increasing phosphorylation of Thr308 and Ser473, a reduced glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) activity by increasing phosphorylation of Ser9, an induced nuclear translocation of β‐Catenin by decreasing phosphorylation of Ser33/37/Thr41, and an increased TCF‐4 transcriptional activity. Furthermore, antagonism of Reg4‐signaling using Reg4‐specific mAbs (2H6 and 3E5) and Akt inhibitor significantly decreased, whereas agonism using GSK‐3β antagonist (SB216763) significantly increased mitotic index and proliferation of CRC cells. These results identify Reg4 as a key regulator of the CRC cell division and proliferation, hence a potential target of human CRC treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluctuations in cognition and alertness vary independently in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Bliwise Donald L. , Scullin Michael K. , Trotti Lynn Marie 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTFluctuations in mental status are 1 of the core diagnostic criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and are thought to reflect variability in daytime alertness. Previous attempts to study fluctuations have been limited to caregiver reports, observer rating scales, short segments of electroencephalography, or motor‐dependent, reaction time tests. Concordance among such measures is often poor, and fluctuations remain difficult to quantify. We compared fluctuations in cognition and alertness in patients with DLB (n = 13) and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) (n = 64), a condition associated with deficits in daytime alertness. We systematically and repeatedly collected cognitive and physiologic measures during a 48‐hour inpatient protocol in a sound‐attenuated sleep laboratory in a geriatric hospital. Cognitive fluctuations were analyzed using coefficients of variation (COVs) derived from performance on a bedside examination familiar to clinicians (digit span). Alertness fluctuations were assessed objectively using COVs from the polysomnographically‐based Maintenance of Wakefulness Test. Despite predictably lower mean digit span performances, DLB patients demonstrated significantly greater cognitive fluctuations than PD patients (P < 0.001), even when groups were matched on general cognitive impairment. There were no group differences in alertness fluctuations, although DLB patients were less alert than PD patients not receiving dopaminergics. The prevailing assumption that fluctuations in cognition in DLB are reflected in fluctuations in daytime alertness was not supported by objective, physiological measurements. Fluctuating mental status in DLB patients can be detected with repeated administration of a simple bedside exam that can be adapted to a clinic setting. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Calendar time‐specific propensity score analysis for observational data: a case study estimating the effectiveness of inhaled long‐acting beta‐agonist on asthma exacerbations
Authors: Dilokthornsakul Piyemeth , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Schumock Glen T. , Lee Todd A. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPurposePropensity scores (PS) are frequently used in observational studies. PS are usually estimated over the entire study period without consideration of the effect of changing patterns of the included variables over time. This study sought to compare PS estimated using the entire study period (conventional PS) and PS estimated for specific periods (calendar time‐specific PS (CTS‐PS)), and to determine whether there are differences in estimated treatment effects using these approaches.MethodsWe conducted a claims data analysis. Asthmatic patients who received an asthma controller during 1997–2008 were included. Exposed patients were those who received an inhaled long‐acting beta‐2 agonist. Conventional PS used the entire period to estimate a PS for individuals. CTS‐PS approach divided the study period into 1‐year periods and estimated PS separately for each period. Each individual had two PS. Both PS approaches were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for asthma exacerbations using Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsA total of 288,518 patients with an average age of 11.9 ± 5.8 years were included. The difference between conventional PS and CTS‐PS in each period ranged from −0.213 to 0.098. The adjusted HR of conventional PS‐matched cohort was 1.20 (95%CI: 1.18–1.22), whereas the estimate for the CTS‐PS‐matched cohort was 1.24 (95%CI: 1.23–1.37).ConclusionFocusing on a specific year, there was a difference between conventional PS estimated versus CTS‐PS for that year. However, there was minimal effect of CTS‐PS on the observed treatment effects compared with conventional PS approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of contextual factors and age in association with anxiety and depression in Black breast cancer patients
Authors: Sheppard Vanessa B. , Harper Felicity W. K. , Davis Kimberly , Hirpa Fikru , Makambi Kepher 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesLimited research exists on correlates of psychosocial distress in Black breast cancer patients. The goals of the study were to describe the prevalence of distress (anxiety and depression) in Black women with breast cancer and to examine the influence of demographic, clinical, contextual (e.g., self‐efficacy, medical mistrust), and process of care factors (e.g., patient satisfaction) on women's level of anxiety and depression.MethodsEighty‐two Black women diagnosed with invasive non‐metastatic breast cancer were interviewed by phone. Collected data included demographic, clinical, contextual, and process of care factors. Bivariate correlations were used to examine relationships between those variables. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine predictors of anxiety and depression.ResultsAbout one‐third of the women (32%) met cut‐off thresholds for distress. Medical mistrust and positive attitude had significant influences on anxiety levels, whereas age and positive attitude were determinants of levels of depression. Participants with higher medical mistrust reported more anxiety (r = .379; p < .001) and depression (r = .337; p = .002), whereas women with higher self‐efficacy reported less anxiety (r = −.401; p < .001) and depression (r = −.427; p < .001). Age was inversely related to both anxiety and depression (r = −.224; r = −.296, respectively; p < .05).ConclusionsFindings support national recommendations for routine distress screening in the delivery of cancer care particularly in younger Black patients. Interventions targeted to boost self‐efficacy or reduce medical mistrust through enhanced patient–provider interactions may decrease psychological distress. Psychosocial needs of younger patients warrant particular attention. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vascular tissue engineering: from in vitro to in situ
Authors: Li Song , Sengupta Debanti , Chien Shu 
Published: October 2013

Blood vessels transport blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients. Vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis may result in obstruction of blood vessels and tissue ischemia. These conditions require blood vessel replacement to restore blood flow at the macrocirculatory level, and angiogenesis is critical for tissue regeneration and remodeling at the microcirculatory level. Vascular tissue engineering has focused on addressing these two major challenges. We provide a systematic review on various approaches for vascular graft tissue engineering. To create blood vessel substitutes, bioengineers and clinicians have explored technologies in cell engineering, materials science, stem cell biology, and medicine. The scaffolds for vascular grafts can be made from native matrix, synthetic polymers, or other biological materials. Besides endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts, expandable cells types such as adult stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, and reprogrammed cells have also been used for vascular tissue engineering. Cell‐seeded functional tissue‐engineered vascular grafts can be constructed in bioreactors in vitro. Alternatively, an autologous vascular graft can be generated in vivo by harvesting the capsule layer formed around a rod implanted in soft tissues. To overcome the scalability issue and make the grafts available off‐the‐shelf, nonthrombogenic vascular grafts have been engineered that rely on the host cells to regenerate blood vessels in situ. The rapid progress in the field of vascular tissue engineering has led to exciting preclinical and clinical trials. The advancement of micro‐/nanotechnology and stem cell engineering, together with in‐depth understanding of vascular regeneration mechanisms, will enable the development of new strategies for innovative therapies. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:61–76. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1246This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Therapeutic Methods
Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Trade, environment and market access: policy reforms in a small open economy
Authors: Kawahara Shinya 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates how market access and welfare are affected by piecemeal reforms of tariffs and pollution taxes in a small open economy. By constructing a general equilibrium model of international trade, which is extended to allow production-generated pollution, we characterize conditions under which a tariff reform and a pollution tax reform increase the value of the small country's imports. It is shown that uniform proportional cuts in tariffs that increase welfare do not necessarily improve market access, and the Ju–Krishna rule of tariff reforms that improves market access does not necessarily increase welfare. A reduction in all pollution distortions proportional to their degree of distortion can be shown to improve both welfare and market access.
Nutritional quality of food items on fast-food ‘kids’ menus’: comparisons across countries and companies
Authors: Hobin Erin , White Christine , Li Ye , Chiu Maria , O'Brien Mary Fodor , Hammond David 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare energy (calories), total and saturated fats, and Na levels for ‘kids’ menu’ food items offered by four leading multinational fast-food chains across five countries.DesignA content analysis was used to create a profile of the nutritional content of food items on kids’ menus available for lunch and dinner in four leading fast-food chains in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.SettingFood items from kids’ menus were included from four fast-food companies: Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), McDonald's and Subway. These fast-food chains were selected because they are among the top ten largest multinational fast-food chains for sales in 2010, operate in high-income English-speaking countries, and have a specific section of their restaurant menus labelled ‘kids’ menus’.ResultsThe results by country indicate that kids’ menu foods contain less energy (fewer calories) in restaurants in the USA and lower Na in restaurants in the UK. The results across companies suggest that kids’ menu foods offered at Subway restaurants are lower in total fat than food items offered at Burger King and KFC, and food items offered at KFC are lower in saturated fat than items offered at Burger King.ConclusionsAlthough the reasons for the variation in the nutritional quality of foods on kids’ menus are not clear, it is likely that fast-food companies could substantially improve the nutritional quality of their kids’ menu food products, translating to large gains for population health.
Comparative tolerances of two Cucumis species to salinity, Rhizoctonia solani and Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Abu Irmaileh Barakat E. , Mansour Akel N. , Al Banna Luma S. , Badwan Huda O. 
Published: October 2013

The search for disease resistance in wild types is continuing, in order to introduce resistant genes from wild relatives. In this study, we found that the wild melon Cucumis prophetarum was comparably more tolerant to salinity, the damping-off disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. The percentage of wild melon survival was 60% compared to that of the cultivated cucumber Cucumis sativus, which was 15%, when irrigated with NaCl at a concentration of 2500 ppm; and 96% for the wild melon compared with 44% for the cultivated cucumber when irrigated with CaSO4.2H2O at a concentration of 1000 ppm. Wild melon plants were more tolerant to R. solani attack, as only 20% of the plants were infested compared with 100% of infestation observed for the cultivated cucumber. The average number of nematode galls was 250 per plant on the cultivated cucumber when compared with 6.3 per plant on the wild species. Wild melon could be a potential source of resistant or tolerant genes that can be transferable to cultivated cucumbers.