bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of electric arc furnace‐processed steel slag for dermal corrosion, irritation, and sensitization from dermal contact
Authors: Suh Mina , Troese Matthew J. , Hall Debra A. , Yasso Blair , Yzenas John J. , Proctor Debora M. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTElectric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag is alkaline (pH of ~11–12) and contains metals, most notably chromium and nickel, and thus has potential to cause dermal irritation and sensitization at sufficient dose. Dermal contact with EAF slag occurs in many occupational and environmental settings because it is used widely in construction and other industrial sectors for various applications including asphaltic paving, road bases, construction fill, and as feed for cement kilns construction. However, no published study has characterized the potential for dermal effects associated with EAF slag. To assess dermal irritation, corrosion and sensitizing potential of EAF slag, in vitro and in vivo dermal toxicity assays were conducted based on the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. In vitro dermal corrosion and irritation testing (OECD 431 and 439) of EAF slag was conducted using the reconstructed human epidermal (RHE) tissue model. In vivo dermal toxicity and delayed contact sensitization testing (OECD 404 and 406) were conducted in rabbits and guinea pigs, respectively. EAF slag was not corrosive and not irritating in any tests. The results of the delayed contact dermal sensitization test indicate that EAF slag is not a dermal sensitizer. These findings are supported by the observation that metals in EAF slag occur as oxides of low solubility with leachates that are well below toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) limits. Based on these results and in accordance to the OECD guidelines, EAF slag is not considered a dermal sensitizer, corrosive or irritant. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further studies toward a mouse model for biochemical assessment of neuropathic potential of organophosphorus compounds
Authors: Makhaeva Galina F. , Rudakova Elena V. , Hein Nichole D. , Serebryakova Olga G. , Kovaleva Nadezhda V. , Boltneva Natalia P. , Fink John K. , Richardson Rudy J. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTInhibition and aging of neuropathy target esterase (NTE) by neuropathic organophosphorus (OP) compounds triggers OP compound‐induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN), whereas inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) produces cholinergic toxicity. The neuropathic potential of an OP compound is defined by its relative inhibitory potency toward NTE vs. AChE assessed by enzyme assays following dosing in vivo or after incubations of direct‐acting compounds or active metabolites with enzymes in vitro. The standard animal model of OPIDN is the adult hen, but its large size and high husbandry costs make this species a burdensome model for assessing neuropathic potential. Although the mouse does not readily exhibit clinical signs of OPIDN, it displays axonal lesions and expresses brain AChE and NTE. Therefore, the present research was performed as a further test of the hypothesis that inhibition of mouse brain AChE and NTE could be used to assess neuropathic potential using mouse brain preparations in vitro or employing mouse brain assays following dosing of OP compounds in vivo. Excellent correlations were obtained for inhibition kinetics in vitro of mouse brain enzymes vs. hen brain and human recombinant enzymes. Furthermore, inhibition of mouse brain AChE and NTE after dosing with OP compounds afforded ED50 ratios that agreed with relative inhibitory potencies assessed in vitro. Taken together, results with mouse brain enzymes demonstrated consistent correspondence between in vitro and in vivo predictors of neuropathic potential, thus adding to previous studies supporting the validity of a mouse model for biochemical assessment of the ability of OP compounds to produce OPIDN. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue repair strength using chitosan adhesives with different physical‐chemical characteristics
Authors: Barton Matthew J. , Morley John W. , Mahns David A. , Mawad Damia , Wuhrer Richard , Fania David , Frost Samuel J. , Loebbe Christian , Lauto Antonio 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA range of chitosan–based biomaterials have recently been used to perform sutureless, laser‐activated tissue repair. Laser‐activation has the advantage of bonding to tissue through a non‐contact, aseptic mechanism. Chitosan adhesive films have also been shown to adhere to sheep intestine strongly without any chemical modification to chitosan. In this study, we continue to investigate chitosan adhesive films and explore the impact on the tissue repair strength and tensile strength characteristics of four types of adhesive film based on chitosan with different molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. Results showed that adhesives based on chitosan with medium molecular weight achieved the highest bonding strength, tensile strength and E‐modulus when compared to the other adhesives. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
It's in your blood: spectral biomarker candidates for urinary bladder cancer from automated FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Ollesch Julian , Heinze Margot , Heise H. Michael , Behrens Thomas , Brüning Thomas , Gerwert Klaus 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBlood samples of urinary bladder cancer (UBC) patients and patients with urinary tract infection were analysed with advanced automated high throughput Fourier transform infrared (HT‐FTIR)‐spectroscopy. Thin dried film samples were robotically prepared on multi‐well titer plates (MTP) for absorbance measurements in transmission mode. Within the absorbance, 1st and 2nd derivative spectra of serum and two plasma preparations, discriminative patterns were identified and validated using bioinformatic tools. The optimal spectral resolution for data acquisition was determined. An accurate discrimination of the patient groups was achieved with three different independent spectral variable sets. The HT‐FTIR blood test may support future clinical diagnostics. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pharmacokinetic study of benfotiamine and the bioavailability assessment compared to thiamine hydrochloride
Authors: Xie Feifan , Cheng Zeneng , Li Sanwang , Liu Xingling , Guo Xin , Yu Peng , Gu Zhenkun 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBenfotiamine is a lipid‐soluble thiamine precursor which can transform to thiamine in vivo and subsequently be metabolized to thiamine monophosphate (TMP) and thiamine diphosphate (TDP). This study investigated the pharmacokinetic profiles of thiamine and its phosphorylated metabolites after single‐ and multiple‐dose administration of benfotiamine in healthy Chinese volunteers, and assessed the bioavailability of orally benfotiamine administration compared to thiamine hydrochloride. In addition, concentration of hippuric acid in urine which is produced in the transformation process of benfotiamine was determined. The results showed that thiamine and its phosphorylated metabolites exhibited different pharmacokinetic characteristics in plasma, blood and erythrocyte, and one‐compartment model provided the best fit for pharmacokinetic profiles of thiamine. The transformation process of benfotiamine to thiamine produced large amount of hippuric acid. No accumulation of hippuric acid was observed after multiple‐dose of benfotiamine. Compared to thiamine hydrochloride, the bioavailability of thiamine in plasma and TDP in erythrocyte after oral administration of benfotiamine were 1147.3 ± 490.3% and 195.8 ± 33.8%, respectively. The absorption rate and extent of benfotiamine systemic availability of thiamine were significantly increased indicating higher bioavailability of thiamine from oral dose of benfotiamine compared to oral dose of thiamine hydrochloride.
Fully automated synthesis and coupling of [18F]FBEM to glutathione using the iPHASE FlexLab module
Authors: Ackermann Uwe , Plougastel Lucie , Wichmann Christian , Goh Yit Wooi , Yeoh Shinn Dee , Poniger Stan S. , Tochon‐Danguy Henri J. , Scott Andrew M. 
Published: January 2014

Site‐specific radiolabelling of peptides or antibodies using [18F]FBEM is often preferred over non‐site‐specific radiolabelling with [18F]SFB because it does not affect the affinity of the antibody to its target.Unfortunately, the synthesis of [18F]FBEM and its conjugation to thiol containing macromolecules requires some manual intervention, which leads to radiation exposure of the radiochemist. In this publication, we report on the complete automation of [18F]FBEM production and its subsequent conjugation to glutathione using a slightly modified iPHASE FlexLab module. [18F]FBEM was produced in 1.185 ± 0.168 GBq (15–20%; n = 10; 0.75 ± 0.106 GBq non‐decay corrected) with a specific activity of 57 ± 10 GBq/µmol. Radiochemical purity was 97 ± 1% and the synthesis time including HPLC purification and reformulation was 70 min. After evaporation to dryness, [18F]FBEM was conjugated to glutathione in PBS buffer pH 7.4 in quantitative yields. This fully automated method does not require any manual intervention and therefore reduces the radiation exposure to the operator.
MR‐guided sclerotherapy of low‐flow vascular malformations using T2‐weighted interrupted bSSFP (T2W‐iSSFP): Comparison of pulse sequences for visualization and needle guidance
Authors: Xu Di , Herzka Daniel A. , Gilson Wesley D. , McVeigh Elliot R. , Lewin Jonathan S. , Weiss Clifford R. 
Published: January 2014

PurposeImage‐guided treatment of low‐flow vascular (venous or lymphatic) malformations presents a challenging visualization problem, regardless of the imaging modality being used for guidance. The purpose of this study was to employ a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence, T2‐weighted interrupted balanced steady‐state free precession (T2W‐iSSFP), for real‐time image guidance of needle insertion.Materials and MethodsT2W‐iSSFP uses variable flip angle balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP, a.k.a. SSFP) to establish T2‐weighting and fat suppression. Swine (n = 3) and patients (n = 4, three female, all with venous malformations) were enrolled in the assessment. T2‐weighted turbo spin echo (T2‐TSE) with spectral adiabatic inversion recovery (SPAIR), SPAIR‐T2‐TSE or T2‐TSE for short, was used as the reference. T2‐weighted half Fourier acquired single shot turbo spin echo (T2‐HASTE) with SPAIR (SPAIR‐T2‐HASTE, T2‐HASTE for short), fat saturated bSSFP (FS‐SSFP), and T2W‐iSSFP were imaged. Numeric metrics, namely, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) efficiency (CNR divided by the square root of acquisition time) and local sharpness (the reciprocal of edge width), were used to assess image quality. MR‐guided sclerotherapy was performed on the same patients using real‐time T2W‐iSSFP to guide needle insertion.ResultsComparing the visualization of needles in the images of swine, the local sharpness (mm−1) was: 0.21 ± 0.06 (T2‐HASTE), 0.48 ± 0.02 (FS‐SSFP), and 0.49 ± 0.03 (T2W‐iSSFP). T2W‐iSSFP is higher than T2‐HASTE (P < 0.001). For the patient images, their CNR efficiencies were: 797 ± 66 (T2‐HASTE), 281 ± 44 (FS‐SSFP), and 860 ± 29 (T2W‐iSSFP). T2W‐iSSFP is higher than FS‐SSFP (P < 0.02). The frame rate of T2W‐iSSFP was 2.5–3.5 frames per second. All MR‐guided sclerotherapy procedures were successful, with all needles (six punctures) placed in the targets.ConclusionT2W‐iSSFP provides effective lesion identification and needle visualization. This new pulse sequence can be used for MR‐guided sclerotherapy of low‐flow vascular malformations. It may have potential use in other MR‐guided procedures where heavily T2‐weighted real‐time images are needed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:525–535.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional outcome of limb‐salvage surgery with shoulder abduction brace for bone tumors around the shoulders
Authors: Wu Xinghuo , Wang WenJuan , Meng Chunqing , Duan Deyu , Xu Weihua , Liu Xianzhe , Wang Hong , Yang Shuhua 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThe current trend is toward salvage of the extremity after tumor excision without compromising the extent of resection for bone tumor around the shoulders.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcome of patients treated with limb‐salvage surgeries combined with shoulder abduction braces.MethodsThirty‐six patients with bone tumors around the shoulders, who had limb‐sparing resection and reconstruction performed with a shoulder abduction brace, were retrospectively reviewed. Allograft transplantation and rigid internal fixation was performed in 22 patients and artificial prosthetic replacement was performed in 14 patients. Functional evaluation was performed based on the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system.ResultsThe overall survival was 78.8% (26/33) at 2 years. The mean final functional score was (81.2 ± 19.6%). The MSTS of patients treated by allograft transplantation and prosthetic replacement were (79.4 ± 15.3%) and (81.9 ± 18.1%), respectively. The MSTS scores differed only slightly between these two groups (P > 0.05). All the patients regained good ROM of the shoulder joints.ConclusionsSatisfactory functional outcomes can be obtained by limb‐salvage surgery for bone tumor around the shoulder. Postoperatively shoulder crutches with shoulder abduction brace are encouraged as the aid of reconstruction of shoulder joint function. J. Surg. Oncol 2014; 109:714–720. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acetic Anhydride Hydrolysis at High Acetic Anhydride to Water Ratios
Authors: Fritzler B. C. , Dharmavaram S. , Hartrim R. T. , Diffendall G. F. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe hydrolysis of acetic anhydride in the presence of water is an exothermic reaction that produces acetic acid. Most of the research has focused on low ratios of acetic anhydride to water. The major concern in the industry is the accidental addition of a small amount of water to large quantities of acetic anhydride stored in tanks, or as handled in a manufacturing process. This paper focuses on isothermal and adiabatic experiments that were conducted to understand the effect and rate of hydrolysis at high ratios of acetic anhydride to water. The acetic acid produced in the reaction also affects the rate of reaction. Detailed calorimetric data and specific rate expressions that have been developed are presented in this paper.
A Method for Esterification Reaction Rate Prediction of Aliphatic Monocarboxylic Acids with Primary Alcohols in 1,4‐Dioxane Based on Two Parametrical Taft Equation
Authors: Vojtko Ján , Tomčík Peter 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTEsterification reaction rates of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with primary alcohols in 1,4‐dioxane as inert solvent were investigated. Acids were esterified with 1‐propanol and alcohols with acetic acid as model reactants at a constant temperature of 60°C, at a fixed ionic strength and pH in a batch reactor with a constant volume. For evaluation of reaction rates, an exact kinetic equation for the equilibrium reaction was applied. Under these conditions and for low reactants, concentrations reaction rate depends only on the structure of reactants and, therefore, can be predicted by a correlation equation with two Taft coefficients (inductive and steric effects). From these equations, it is possible to estimate the esterification reaction rate constant for other acid‐alcohol pairs. This methodology may also be suitable for other kinetic systems measured under comparable experimental conditions.
High‐resolution reduced field of view diffusion tensor imaging using spatially selective RF pulses
Authors: Gaggl Wolfgang , Jesmanowicz Andrzej , Prost Robert W. 
Published: January 2014

PurposeDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) plays a vital role in identifying white matter fiber bundles. Achievable imaging resolution and imaging time demands remain the major challenges in detecting small fiber bundles with current clinical DTI sequences.MethodsA novel reduced field of view ultra‐high–resolution DTI technique named eZOOM (elliptically refocused zonally oblique multislice) was developed. A small circular disk was imaged using spatially selective radiofrequency (RF) pulses, reducing the imaging matrix size. The frequency profile of the spectral‐spatial refocusing RF pulse provided intrinsic fat suppression, eliminating the need for fat saturation pulses.ResultsMultislice DTI at a resolution of 0.35 × 0.35 mm in a celery fiber phantom was successfully performed by scanning an 8‐cm field of view at 3T. An adequate diffusion‐to‐noise ratio (DNR >20) was achieved for a 25‐min acquisition using a direct‐sampling RF receiver. Human subjects (n = 7) were scanned at resolutions of 0.47 × 0.47 mm having a DNR <20 within a 75‐min scanning time, requiring further enhancements to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio.ConclusionsThe new eZOOM‐DTI method offers multislice DTI at ultra‐high imaging resolutions substantially exceeding those available with current echo‐planar DTI techniques. Parallel and fast spin echo methods can be combined with eZOOM to improve SNR and DNR in humans. Magn Reson Med 72:1668–1679, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cutaneous activation of rage in nonsystemic vasculitic and diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Bekircan‐Kurt Can Ebru , Üçeyler Nurcan , Sommer Claudia 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We asked whether the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is related to dermal inflammation in nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN) and diabetic neuropathy (DN) and whether its presence in skin is comparable to that in sural nerve biopsies. Methods: We immunoreacted skin biopsy samples from 17 NSVN and 7 DN patients who had also undergone sural nerve biopsy, and 14 healthy controls with antibodies to advanced glycation end products (AGE), RAGE, T‐cells, and macrophages. Results: AGE and RAGE immunoreactivity were present in vessels of nerve biopsies from NSVN and DN. AGE and RAGE were increased in dermal endothelial cells and T‐cells of NSVN and DN patients compared with controls. Conclusions: Dermal RAGE is increased in NSVN and DN, supporting the concept of a role of the RAGE pathway in the pathophysiology of dermal inflammation and skin denervation in NSVN and DN. Muscle Nerve 50: 377–383, 2014
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: A rare cause of a progressive brachial plexopathy
Authors: Mathys Jan , Vajtai Istvan , Vögelin Esther , Zimmermann Dieter R. , Ozdoba Christoph , Hewer Ekkehard 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an uncommon, embryonic‐type neoplasm, typically presenting as an abdominal mass in young men. A single case of DSRCT arising in the peripheral nervous system has been reported previously. Methods: The clinical course, imaging, electrophysiological, intraoperative, histopathological, molecular findings, and postoperative follow‐up are reported. Results: A 43‐year‐old man presented with slowly progressive right brachial plexopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enlarged medial cord with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Histology showed a “small round cell” neoplasm with a polyphenotypic immunoprofile, including epithelial and mesenchymal markers. A pathognomonic fusion of Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 and Wilms tumor 1 genes (EWSR1/WT1) was present. Treatment involved gross total excision and local radiotherapy. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the occurrence of DSRCT as a primary peripheral nerve tumor. Despite its usually very aggressive clinical course, prolonged recurrence‐free survival may be reached. Histomorphology and immunoprofile of DSRCT may lead to misdiagnosis as small cell carcinoma. Muscle Nerve 49: 922–927, 2014
Pain and small fiber function in charcot–marie–tooth disease type 1A
Authors: Laurà Matilde , Hutton Elspeth J. , Blake Julian , Lunn Michael P. , Fox Zoe , Pareyson Davide , Solari Alessandra , Radice Davide , Koltzenburg Martin , Reilly Mary M. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease type 1A is the most common form of CMT. The main clinical features are distal weakness, sensory loss, and skeletal deformities. Although pain is a frequent complaint, small fiber involvement in CMT1A has not been studied extensively. Methods: We assessed pain and small fiber involvement in 49 CMT1A patients using a variety of pain scales, pain questionnaires, and thermal thresholds. Results: Forty‐three of 49 patients (88%) complained of pain. The pain was localized to the feet in 61% of patients. Only 18% of patients had neuropathic pain. Cold and warm detection thresholds were elevated in 53% and 12% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that CMT1A patients have significant pain, which is more likely to be multifactorial in origin and suggests that a proportion of patients have small fiber dysfunction affecting mainly thinly myelinated Aδ fibers. Muscle Nerve 50: 366–371, 2014
Role of sodium channels in recovery of sciatic nerve‐stretch injury in rats
Authors: Hirofuji Shinji , Yokota Atsushi , Ohno Katsunori , Kinoshita Mitsuo , Neo Masashi 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: To elucidate the mechanism of functional recovery after gradual nerve‐stretch injury, we used rats in which the femur length was increased by 15 mm at 1.5 mm/day. Methods: We performed electrophysiology, mRNA analysis of tetrodotoxin‐resistant voltage‐gated sodium channels (TTX‐R VGSCs) in dorsal root ganglia, and histology of unmyelinated sciatic nerve fibers and examined pain thresholds at 1, 10, 20, and 30 days after cessation of lengthening. Results: Electrophysiology revealed conduction block after cessation that recovered after 30 days. TTX‐R VGSC levels decreased immediately after cessation but were restored after 10 (Nav1.9) or 20 (Nav1.8) days. Histology revealed that injured unmyelinated nerve fibers regenerate 30 days after cessation. Pain threshold decreased gradually during lengthening but had not recovered to the control group level after 30 days. Conclusions: Early restoration of TTX‐R VGSC mRNA in dorsal root ganglia preceded functional recovery of stretched nerves before regeneration of injured unmyelinated nerve fibers. Muscle Nerve 50: 425–430, 2014
Trialing to Pain Control: A Grounded Theory
Authors: McDonald Deborah Dillon 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the basic social psychological process of managing inadequately relieved pain in adults. Transcribed data from 23 ambulatory medical visits of adults with pain and interviews with four practitioners and four patients with pain were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The basic problem was perception of running out of treatment options. Trialing was the process used to resolve the problem and consisted of four phases: finding the right practitioner, initiating the trial, adjusting treatments, and continuing to monitor with the patient taking control over the pain. Failure to achieve control over pain occurred when providers were unclear or failed to listen or when patients disagreed about treatment. Improving patient‐provider communication may enhance trialing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.