bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory and regulatory T cells contribute to a unique immune microenvironment in tumor tissue of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Girardin Adam , McCall John , Black Michael A. , Edwards Francesca , Phillips Vicky , Taylor Edward S , Reeve Anthony E , Kemp Roslyn A 
Published: September 2012

AbstractColorectal cancer is one of the five leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. The mechanisms of pathogen clearance, inflammation and regulation by T cells in the healthy bowel are also important in controlling tumor growth. The majority of studies analyzing T cells and their relationship to colorectal tumor growth have focused on individual T cell markers or gene clusters and thus the complexity of the T cell response contributing to the growth of the tumor is not clear. We have studied the T cells in colorectal cancer patients and have defined a unique T cell signature for colorectal tumor tissue. Using a novel analytical flow cytometric approach in concert with confocal microscopy, we have shown that the tumor has a lower frequency of effector T cells (CD69+), but a higher frequency of both regulatory (CD25hi Foxp3+) and inflammatory T cells (IL‐17+) compared with associated nontransformed bowel tissue. We have also identified minor populations of T cells expressing conventional markers of both inflammatory and regulatory T cells (CD4+IL‐17+Foxp3+) in the tumor tissue. These cells may represent intermediate populations or they may dictate an inflammatory versus regulatory function in surrounding T cells. Together, these data describe an immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer unique to the tumor tissue and distinct from the surrounding healthy bowel tissue, and this distinct environment is reflected by a gradient of T cells expressing markers of multiple T cell populations. These findings may be used to improve diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients.
Nanoelectroablation of human pancreatic carcinoma in a murine xenograft model without recurrence
Authors: Nuccitelli Richard , Huynh Joanne , Lui Kaying , Wood Ryan , Kreis Mark , Athos Brian , Nuccitelli Pamela 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe have identified an effective nanoelectroablation therapy for treating pancreatic carcinoma in a murine xenograft model. This therapy initiates apoptosis in a nonthermal manner by applying low energy electric pulses 100 ns long and 30 kV/cm in amplitude to the tumor. We first identified the minimum pulse number required for complete ablation by treating 30 tumors. We found that the minimum number of pulses required to ablate the tumor with a single treatment is between 250 and 500 pulses. We settled on a single application of either 500 or 1,000 pulses to treat pancreatic carcinomas in 19 NIH‐III mice. Seventeen of the 19 treated tumors exhibited complete regression without recurrence. Three mice died of unknown causes within 3 months after treatment but 16 lived for 270–302 days at which time we sacrificed them for histological analysis. In the 17 untreated controls, the tumor grew so large that we had to sacrifice all of them within 4 months.
Soluble c‐Met protein as a susceptible biomarker for gastric cancer risk: A nested case‐control study within the Korean Multicenter Cancer Cohort
Authors: Yang Jae Jeong , Yang Ji Hyun , Kim Jungkon , Ma Seung Hyun , Cho Lisa Y. , Ko Kwang‐Pil , Shin Aesun , Choi Bo Youl , Kim Hyun Ja , Han Dong Soo , Eun Chang Soo , Song Kyu Sang , Kim Yong Sung , Chang Soung‐Hoon , Shin Hai‐Rim , Kang Daehee , Yoo Keun‐Young , Park Sue K. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of the soluble form of c‐Met protein, a truncated form of the c‐Met membrane receptor involved in the CagA pathway, as a potential biomarker for gastric cancer. Among 290 gastric cancer case‐control sets selected from the Korean Multicenter Cancer Cohort, the plasma concentrations of soluble c‐Met protein were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Using analysis of variance and covariance models with age, sex, smoking, Helicobacter pylori infection, and CagA seropositivity, the mean concentrations of soluble c‐Met protein between cases and controls were compared. To evaluate the association between gastric cancer and a c‐Met protein level, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using conditional logistic regression models. Interactions between CagA‐related genes and the soluble c‐Met protein concentration were also investigated. The overall median plasma concentration of soluble c‐Met among cases was significantly lower than those of controls (1.390 vs. 1.610 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Closer to the onset of gastric cancer, the soluble c‐Met protein level decreased linearly in a time‐dependent manner (p for trend = 0.0002). The combined effects between the CagA‐related genes and the soluble c‐Met protein concentration significantly intensified risks for gastric cancer. Restricted analyses including cases that had been diagnosed within 1 year after entering the cohort had a fair degree of ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73–0.77) to discriminate gastric cancer cases from normal controls. Our findings demonstrate the potential of the soluble form of c‐Met protein as a novel biomarker for gastric cancer. The beneficial effects of a high soluble c‐Met concentration in human plasma are strongly supported.
Preparation and characterization of collagen‐nanohydroxyapatite biocomposite scaffolds by cryogelation method for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Rodrigues Sandra C. , Salgado Christiane L. , Sahu Abhishek , Garcia Monica P. , Fernandes Maria H. , Monteiro Fernando J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRecent efforts of bone repair focus on development of porous scaffolds for cell adhesion and proliferation. Collagen‐nanohydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds (70:30; 50:50; and 30:70 mass percentage) were produced by cryogelation technique using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride/N‐hydroxysuccinimide as crosslinking agents. A pure collagen scaffold was used as control. Morphology analysis revealed that all cryogels had highly porous structure with interconnective porosity and the nanoHA aggregates were randomly dispersed throughout the scaffold structure. Chemical analysis showed the presence of all major peaks related to collagen and HA in the biocomposites and indicated possible interaction between nanoHA aggregates and collagen molecules. Porosity analysis revealed an enhancement in the surface area as the nanoHA percentage increased in the collagen structure. The biocomposites showed improved mechanical properties as the nanoHA content increased in the scaffold. As expected, the swelling capacity decreased with the increase of nanoHA content. In vitro studies with osteoblasts cells showed that they were able to attach and spread in all cryogels surfaces. The presence of collagen‐nanoHA biocomposites resulted in higher overall cellular proliferation compared to pure collagen scaffold. A statistically significant difference between collagen and collagen‐nanoHA cryogels was observed after 21 day of cell culture. These innovative collagen‐nanoHA cryogels could have potentially appealing application as scaffolds for bone regeneration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Water‐stable electrospun collagen fibers from a non‐toxic solvent and crosslinking system
Authors: Jiang Qiuran , Reddy Narendra , Zhang Simeng , Roscioli Nicholas , Yang Yiqi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCytocompatible and water‐stable ultrafine collagen fibers were electrospun by dissolving collagen in a low corrosive ethanol–water solvent and crosslinked by citric acid (CA) with glycerol as the crosslinking extender. Conventional solvents used for electrospinning of collagen either cause denaturation or contain more than 50% salt potentially leading to poor mechanical properties and water stability of the scaffolds. Collagen scaffolds have to be modified by techniques, such as, crosslinking to overcome the limitations in strength and stability. However, the existing crosslinking methods are either cytotoxic or ineffective. In this research, a benign ethanol‐water solvent system and an extender‐aided CA crosslinking method were developed. The native collagen conformation was retained after electrospinning, and the dry/wet strengths and water stability of fibers were substantially enhanced after crosslinking. The crosslinked electrospun scaffolds could maintain their fibrous structure for up to 30 days in phosphate‐buffered saline at 37°C. Cells exhibited better attachment and growth on the CA crosslinked collagen fibers than on the glutaraldehyde crosslinked scaffolds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Improving the packing density of calcium phosphate coating on a magnesium alloy for enhanced degradation resistance
Authors: Kannan M. Bobby 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn this study, an attempt was made to improve the packing density of calcium phosphate (CaP) coating on a magnesium alloy by tailoring the coating solution for enhanced degradation resistance of the alloy for implant applications. An organic solvent, ethanol, was added to the coating solution to decrease the conductivity of the coating solution so that hydrogen bubble formation/bursting reduces during the CaP coating process. Experimental results confirmed that ethanol addition to the coating solution reduces the conductivity of the solution and also decreases the hydrogen evolution/bubble bursting. In vitro electrochemical experiments, that is, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization showed that CaP coating produced in 30% (v/v) ethanol containing coating solution (3E) exhibits significantly higher degradation resistance (i.e., ∼50% higher polarization resistance and ∼60% lower corrosion current) than the aqueous solution coating. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the coatings revealed that the packing of 3E coating was denser than that of aqueous coating, which can be attributed to the lower hydrogen evolution in the former than in the latter. Further increase in the ethanol content in the coating solution was not beneficial; in fact, the coating produced in 70% (v/v) ethanol containing solution (7E) showed degradation resistance much inferior to that of the aqueous coating, which is due to low thickness of 7E coating. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Synthesis of (−)‐3‐Carene‐2,5‐dione via Allylic Oxidation of (+)‐3‐Carene
Authors: Sun Xiaoling , Zhao Xiaoyan , Jiang Ying , Xu Bochun 
Published: September 2012

AbstractActivated carbon‐supported CuCl2 (CuCl2/AC) is a heterogeneous catalyst for the liquid‐phase selective allylic oxidation of (+)‐3‐carene with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and O2 to produce (−)‐3‐carene‐2,5‐dione. The possible reaction mechanism and the effects of different factors on the allylic oxidation were investigated. The optimal conditions are as follows: reaction temperature, 45 °C; molar ratio of CuCl2 to (+)‐3‐carene, 1%; volume ratio of (+)‐3‐carene to TBHP, 1:3; and reaction time, 12 h. Under the optimal conditions, the conversion of (+)‐3‐carene reached 100%, whereas the selectivity for (−)‐3‐carene‐2,5‐dione reached 78%. The CuCl2/AC catalyst was characterized via X‐ray diffraction, and the chemical structure of the target compound was identified via infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and optical analysis.
A Theoretical Investigation of the Decomposition Reactions of Ethyl Formate in the S0 State
Authors: Chou Yung‐Ching 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study revisits the stability of the possible conformations and the decomposition reactions of ethyl formate in the S0 state using the (U)MP2, MP4SDTQ, CCSD(T), and (U)B3LYP methods with various basis sets. The transition states of the decomposition channels to HCOOH + C2H4, CO + CH3CH2OH, CH2O + CH3CHO, HCOH + CH3CHO, C2H6 + CO2, and H2 + CH2CHOCHO are determined. The microcanonical rate constants derived from the RRKM theory are calculated for each of the decomposition reactions. The high‐pressure limit rate constants are calculated for the decomposition channels to HCOOH + C2H4, CO + CH3CH2OH, and CH2O + CH3CHO.
Pore‐forming technology and performance of MEA for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Liu Gui‐Cheng , Wang Yi‐Tuo , Zhang Jing , Wang Meng , Zhang Chao‐Jie , Wang Xin‐Dong 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The commercialization of DMFCs is seriously restricted by its relatively low power density. Lots of work has been concentrated on catalysts with high activity, the optimization of flow path design, development of new kinds of proton exchange membrane and modification of Nafion membrane. Meanwhile, very few reports have involved the structure optimization of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). To improve the performance of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), the catalyst layer (CL) structures of anode and cathode were optimized by utilizing ammonium carbonate as pore forming agent.RESULTS: The polarization curves showed that in catalyst slurry the optimal content of ammonium carbonate was 50 wt%, and the DMFC performance was enhanced from 75.65 mW cm−2 to 167.42 mW cm−2 at 55 °C and 0.2 MPa O2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical active surface area (EASA) testing revealed that the improved performance of optimized MEAs could be mainly attributed to the increasing EASA and the enhanced mass transfer rate of CLs. But poor methanol crossover limited the performance enhancement of MEAs with porous anodes.CONCLUSION: With regard to improving cell performance, this pore‐forming technology is better applied to the cathode catalyst layer to improve its structure rather than the anode catalyst layer. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Resolution of N‐hydroxymethyl vince lactam catalyzed by lipase in organic solvent
Authors: Xun Erna , Wang Jiaxin , Zhang Hong , Chen Ge , Yue Hong , Zhao Jimin , Wang Lei , Wang Zhi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The enantiomers of N‐hydroxymethyl vince lactam are important intermediates during the synthesis of chiral drugs. The preparation of its single enantiomer can be performed through enzymatic resolution. The aim of this work is to obtain (1S, 4R)‐N‐hydroxymethyl vince lactam with high enantiomeric purity via lipase‐catalyzed enantioselective transesterification in organic solvents. To achieve this, effects of various reaction conditions (including lipase sources, acyl donor, substrate molar ratio, organic solvent, temperature, and water activity) on the enzyme activity as well as enantioselectivity were investigated.RESULTS: The results of the study showed that the enantiopreference for all the selected enzymes was (4S, 1R)‐N‐hydroxymethyl vince lactam in enantioselective transesterification of racemic N‐hydroxymethyl vince lactam. Under the selected optimum conditions, the highest enantioselectivity (E = 33.8) was obtained with a higher enzyme activity (20.3 µmol g−1 min−1) for Mucor miehei lipase (MML) when vinyl valerate was used as the acyl donor. Besides, the remained (1S, 4R)‐N‐hydroxymethyl vince lactam with high enantiomeric purity (ee > 99%) was obtained when the conversion was about 60%.CONCLUSION: The results obtained clearly demonstrated potential for industrial application of lipase in resolution of N‐hydroxymethyl vince lactam through enantioselective transesterification. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection by catechin‐rich oil palm leaf extract supplement
Authors: Mohamed Suhaila , Lee Ming Tan , Jaffri Juliana Md 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Catechin‐rich oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaf extract (OPLE) has good cardiovascular and phytoestrogenic properties. The OPLE (0.5 g day−1) was supplemented to young, healthy, adult human volunteers, and their cognitive learning abilities were compared to placebo‐controlled groups (N = 15). Their short‐term memories, spatial visualisations, processing speeds, and language skills, were assessed over 2 months by cognitive tests computer programs.RESULTS: Relative to the controls, volunteers taking OPLE had improved (P < 0.05) short‐term memory, after 1 month of intervention which became highly significant (P < 0.005) after 2 months. The spatial visualisation ability and processing speed improved (P < 0.05) after 2 months consumption. The dietary OPLE showed neuroprotection in nitric oxide‐deficient rats. The mechanisms involved systemic and cellular modulations that eventually enhance neuron survival. The longer the duration of OPLE consumption, the more significant was the enhancement, as shown for short‐term memory.CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the cognitive‐enhancing effects of dietary OPLE in humans. The computer‐assisted cognitive tests were simple, low in cost, errors and man hours, and hence are better than conventional cognitive test methods. In rats, the equivalent OPLE dose showed brain antioxidant enzymes modulating properties and neuroprotection under nitric oxide deficiency, with possibly neurogenesis in normal rats. This supported the effects in humans. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Computer‐assisted design and rapid prototype modeling in microvascular mandible reconstruction
Authors: Hanasono Matthew M. , Skoracki Roman J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To evaluate the use of computer‐assisted design and rapid prototype modeling to improve the speed and accuracy of mandibular reconstruction.Study Design:Case‐control study.Methods:Between 2005 and 2011, 38 subjects underwent fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction using computer‐assisted design and rapid prototype modeling. Titanium plates were prebent using the models prior to surgery. Direct plate bending on the native mandible to accurately restore occlusion would not have been possible in 11 patients with exophytic tumors, nine patients with pathologic fractures, and 10 patients with a prior segmental mandibulectomy. Computer‐generated cutting guides were utilized to facilitate fibular osteotomies.Results:The mean operative time for subjects was 8.8 ± 1.0 hours compared to the mean operative time defect‐matched control group, for whom computer‐assisted design and models were not used, of 10.5 ± 1.4 hours (P = .0006). Comparison of the preoperative and postoperative mandibles demonstrated that the mean change in position of selected bony landmarks (condyles, gonions, and gnathion) was less in the subject group than in the control group (4.11 ± 3.09 mm vs. 6.92 ± 5.64 mm, respectively; P = .001) Comparison of postoperative mandibles with preoperative virtual plans showed a mean deviation of 2.40 ± 2.06 mm from planned fibular segment lengths and 3.51 ± 2.69° from planned angles between fibular segments.Conclusions:Computer‐assisted design and rapid prototype modeling have the potential to increase the speed and accuracy of mandibular reconstruction. We believe these technologies are particularly useful for cases in which the original architecture of the mandible has been distorted or destroyed. Laryngoscope, 2013
Antimicrobial Hydantoin‐grafted Poly(ε‐caprolactone) by Ring‐opening Polymerization and Click Chemistry
Authors: Tan Licheng , Maji Samarendra , Mattheis Claudia , Chen Yiwang , Agarwal Seema 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNovel degradable and antibacterial polycaprolactone‐based polymers are reported in this work. The polyesters with pendent propargyl groups are successfully prepared by ring‐opening polymerization and subsequently used to graft antibacterial hydantoin moieties via click chemistry by a copper(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction. The well‐controlled chemical structures of the grafted copolymers and its precursors are verified by FT‐IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and GPC characterizations. According to the DSC and XRD results, the polymorphisms of these grafted copolymers are mostly changed from semicrystalline to amorphous depending on the amount of grafted hydantoin. Antibacterial assays are carried out with Bacillus subtilis and two strains of Escherichia coli and show fast antibacterial action. magnified image
Effect of Degree of Branching on Properties of Photosensitive Nanoparticles as Drug‐Delivery Carriers
Authors: Shi Dongjian , Matsusaki Michiya , Chen Mingqing , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHyperbranched copolymers with different degrees of branching (DBs), poly(3,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid)‐co‐poly(4‐hydroxycinnamic acid) (PCA), were prepared by polycondensation. Amphiphilic PCA–DTT copolymers were prepared by grafting dithiothreitiol (DTT) into PCA by the Michael addition. PCA–DTT nanoparticles were self‐assembled by additional water into a DMSO solution of PCA–DTT. The diameter and photoresponsivity of the PCA–DTT nanoparticles were influenced by the DB, and they increased with increasing the DB. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein was successfully encapsulated into the PCA–DTT nanoparticles, and the release behavior of BSA was affected by the DB in PBS. These biodegradable and photoresponsive nanoparticles would be useful as functional carriers for drug delivery systems.
Biological, Chemical, and Electronic Applications of Nanofibers
Authors: Nguyen Luong T. H. , Chen Shilin , Elumalai Naveen K. , Prabhakaran Molamma P. , Zong Yun , Vijila Chellappan , Allakhverdiev Suleyman I. , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWith their high‐surface‐to‐volume ratio, nanofibers have been postulated to increase interactions between nanofibrous materials and targeted substrates, which are helpful to overcome many obstacles and enhance the efficiency in a diverse number of applications. Over the past decade, many studies have been published on the fabrication of nanofibers and their applications in various fields. In this review, novel biological, chemical, and electrical characteristics of nanofibers as well as their recent status and achievements in medicine, chemistry, and electronics are analyzed. It is found that nanofibers can induce fast regeneration of many tissues/organs in medical applications and improve the efficiency of many chemical and electronics applications.magnified image
Ceramic fibre reinforced refractory castables for very high temperature superplastic forming
Authors: Mazzoni A. , Bernhart G. , Cutard T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn the frame of the development of very high temperature die material solutions, two grades of alumina based ceramic fibres with a diameter close to 12 μm have been investigated as reinforcement solutions for an andalusite refractory castable. High temperature mechanical tests were performed up to 1200°C in four‐point bending conditions: rupture tests at high temperature and anisothermal creep tests. After testing, microstructural and rupture surface were observed in order to get information on deformation mechanisms and rupture processes. Results show that significant mechanical improvement were obtained up to 1100°C when compared to non reinforced refractory castables.