bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomedical applications of organosilica nanoparticles toward theranostics
Authors: Nakamura Michihiro 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNanoparticles for biomedical applications have several advantages as multifunctional agents. Among various types of nanoparticles for biomedical applications, silica nanoparticles have characteristic positioning due to their inherent property. The recent development of silica nanoparticles is creating a new trend in nanomedicine. A novel type of silica nanoparticle, organosilica nanoparticle, is both structurally and functionally different from the common (inorgano)silica nanoparticle. The organosilica nanoparticles are inherent organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials. The interior and exterior functionalities of organosilica nanoparticles are useful for their multifunctionalization. Biomedical applications of organosilica nanoparticles are leading to a wide range of nanomedical fields such as basic biomedical investigations and clinical applications. Multifunctionalizations peculiar to organosilica nanoparticles enable the creation of novel imaging systems and therapeutic applications. In this review, I will introduce differences between (inorgano)silica nanoparticles and organosilica nanoparticles, and then focus on biomedical applications of organosilica nanoparticles toward theranostics.
PROGRESS TOWARDS MELANIN INTEGRATION IN BIO-INSPIRED DEVICES
Authors: Ambrico M. , Ambrico P. F. , Cardone A. , Ligonzo T. , Cicco S. R. , Lavizzera A. , Augelli V. , Farinola G. M. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe integration of biopolymers into hybrid electronics is one of the up to date issues in view of the achievement of fully bio-compatible devices. Among ‘hot topics’ in bio-polymer research, synthetic melanin or, briefly, “melanin”, has been recently recognized as a quite intriguing macromolecule thanks to its multifunctional optoelectronic properties. To date, melanin transport properties have been mainly enlightened on pellets, while optical absorption and conductivity properties have been investigated on melanin layers deposited on quartz and indium tin oxide/glass. The unavailability of suitable procedures to improve or promote adequate self assembling of melanin layer deposition onto substrate of interest in organic and solid state electronics (hybrid) like silicon substrates, prevent interesting studies on such structures. The reason stems basically on the difference between the hydrophilic nature of the melanin and the hydrophobic one of the supports (mostly of silicon). However, our group solved this issue and was able to tailor a melanin based metal/insulator/metal and metal/insulator/silicon structures, where synthetic melanin was embedded as the insulating part. This allowed to disclose interesting features related to data storage capabilities of melanin layers deposited on indium tin oxide/glass and silicon never investigated so far. In this work we show an overview on our recent mentioned results, and particular attention is paid on structures on silicon substrates. The use of pSi and nSi substrates and measurements under different environment conditions has enabled to gain insight into ambipolar electrical transport mechanisms, still unexplored. These results constitute a first important basic insight into melanin-based bio inspired structures and represent a significant step towards their integration in several kinds of hybrid organic polymer-based devices.
Dependence of 4H-SiC Epitaxial Layer Quality on Growth Conditions with Wafer Size Corresponding to 150 mm
Authors: Kudou Chiaki , Tamura Kentaro , Aigo Takashi , Ito Wataru , Nishio Johji , Kojima Kazutoishi , Ohno Toshiyuki 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTHomoepitaxial growth on 4H-SiC Si-face substrates with sizes corresponding to 150 mm was carried out. The influence of growth conditions for uniformity and epitaxial defect density was investigated. A 150 mm size was realized by using two 76.2 mm wafers lined up in a radial direction. C/Si ratio is found to be a major parameter for controlling triangular defect density and the generation of step bunching. As a result, the surface morphology without bunched step structure and the triangular defect density with 0.5 cm−2 were obtained by decreasing C/Si ratio to 1.0 on the size corresponding to 150 mm. Under this condition, good carrier concentration and thickness uniformity of σ/mean =15.2 % and 1.7 % could be obtained.
Topography-guided Hyperopic LASIK With and Without High Irradiance Collagen Cross-linking: Initial Comparative Clinical Findings in a Contralateral Eye Study of 34 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios John , Kahn Jonathan 
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrastromally applied collagen cross-linking (CXL) in a comparative contralateral eye study of topography-guided femtosecond laser–assisted hyperopic LASIK.

METHODS:

Thirty-four consecutive patients with hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism elected to have bilateral topography-guided LASIK and were randomized to receive a single drop of 0.1% sodium phosphate riboflavin solution under the flap followed by 3-minute exposure of 10 mW/cm
2
ultraviolet A (UVA) light with the flap realigned in one eye (CXL group) and no intrastromal CXL in the contralateral eye (no CXL group). All eyes were treated with the WaveLight FS200 femtosecond laser and WaveLight EX500 excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories Inc). Refractive error and keratometric, topographic, and tomographic measurements were evaluated over mean follow-up of 23 months.

RESULTS:

Preoperatively, mean spherical equivalent refraction was +3.15±1.46 diopters (D) and +3.40±1.78 D with a mean cylinder of 1.20±1.18 D and 1.40±1.80 D and mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) (decimal) of 0.1±0.26 and 0.1±0.25 in the CXL and no CXL groups, respectively. At 2 years postoperatively, mean spherical equivalent refraction was −0.20±0.56 D and +0.20±0.40 D with mean cylinder of 0.65±0.56 D and 0.76±0.72 D and mean UDVA of 0.95±0.15 and 0.85±0.23 in the CXL and no CXL groups, respectively. Eyes with CXL demonstrated a mean regression from treatment of +0.22±0.31 D, whereas eyes without CXL showed a statistically significant greater regression of +0.72±0.19 D (
P
=.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Topography-guided hyperopic LASIK with or without intrastromal CXL is safe and effective, with greater long-term efficacy (less regression) in eyes with CXL. Our data suggest that the regression seen with hyperopic LASIK may be related to biomechanical changes in corneal shape over time.
Transepithelial Corneal Cross-linking in Pediatric Patients: Early Results
Authors: Buzzonetti Luca , Petrocelli Gianni 
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:
To report 18-month follow-up after transepithelial cross-linking (CXL) in young patients.

METHODS:

Thirteen eyes with keratoconus were evaluated (mean patient age: 14.4±3.7 years [range: 8 to 18 years]). Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA); spherical equivalent refraction; keratometry (K); coma, spherical aberration, and higher order aberrations (HOAs) for a 5.0-mm pupil; and thinnest point were measured preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively by Scheimplflug camera. Endothelial cell density and anterior segment optical coherence tomography were also evaluated. Paired Student
t
test was used to compare preoperative and 12- and 18-month postoperative data.
P
<.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS:

Eighteen months after treatment, CDVA improved significantly, whereas K readings and HOAs showed statistically significant worsening (
P
<.05). Spherical equivalent refraction, sphere and cylinder, coma, spherical aberration, thinnest point, and endothelial cell density did not show statistically significant changes (
P
>.05). The mean demarcation line depth was 105 μm. No side effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:
Transepithelial CXL appears to be a safe treatment in children. Although improved CDVA was noted 18 months after treatment, this technique does not effectively halt keratoconus progression in children compared to standard CXL.
Jugurtha héros national : jalons sur un itinéraire
Authors: Alexandropoulos Jacques 
Published: November 2012

En créant son Jugurtha comme archétype du Numide en éternel mouvement dans un espace et un temps imprécis, Salluste pose les conditions d’une récupération « nationale » officielle du héros après l’indépendance algérienne. Cela suppose néanmoins des relais, dont celui de Michelet qui fait de Jugurtha un champion de l’indépendance berbère à l’époque où les circonstances de la conquête de l’Algérie tendent à rapprocher Jugurtha de son double contemporain Abdelkader. L’analogie permet alors un basculement progressif du personnage de Jugurtha. Pour le colonisateur, il représente l’éternel Numide enfin soumis, comme Abdelkader. Le poète Jean Amrouche, écartelé entre sa culture berbère algérienne et celle de la France, intériorise à la fois le portrait charge de l’éternel Numide et son potentiel de révolte en un dernier avertissement au colonisateur (L’éternel Jugurtha, 1943). La prégnance de la réception « occidentale » de l’Antiquité apparaît ici dans toute sa force. Puis le nationalisme algérien de l’indépendance se réfère dans les chartes nationales algériennes successives à un Jugurtha désormais délesté des défauts numides, ne gardant de ses origines sallustéennes qu’un cadre événementiel emblématique d’un combat contre l’éternel « colonisateur » et ses alliés, comme Bocchus « le Marocain ».
Charles Garnier et l’histoire du théâtre. À propos du gala de l’Opéra du 26 janvier 1886
Authors: Martin Marie Saint 
Published: November 2012

La représentation de gala du 26 janvier 1886, à l’Opéra, s’inscrit dans une visée de reconstitution archéologique. Cette ambition éclaire l’histoire de la réception du théâtre antique au xixe siècle. La question des masques, en particulier, cristallise les interrogations de la critique sur les nouvelles pratiques scéniques attachées à cette visée archéologique. Les problèmes que soulève cette tentative sont déjà au cœur des commentaires contemporains : la représentation de Garnier met en valeur les apories du système de reconstitution adopté, puis abandonné par le xixe siècle antiquisant.
Évaluation, motivation et formation
Authors: Doucet Patrick 
Published: November 2012

Dans le cadre d’un compte-rendu de deux expériences menées à l’Université de Poitiers (Faculté des Sciences, 1991-93 et 1993-95) sur des échantillons respectivement de 100 et de 44 étudiants, cet article vise à démontrer une relation de causalité entre une pratique évaluative présentée par anticipation sous forme de pré-test et l’apprentissage, postulant ainsi l’existence d’un effet de reflux positif qu’un test crédible peut avoir. Cet effet de reflux est souvent mentionné dans la recherche comme allant de soi, mais non mesuré. On insiste sur la notion de crédibilité des pratiques évaluatives aux yeux des apprenants : en l’occurrence, la compétence de communication est évaluée à l’aide d’un test d’interaction orale en binôme. On montre comment il est possible de créer des conditions pour que l’évaluation, conçue au départ comme ressort de la motivation, puisse en fin de compte n’être qu’une étape sur la voie d’une motivation intrinsèque, permettant la prise en charge de son apprentissage par l’apprenant lui-même.
Ex Vivo Enzymatic Treatment of Aged CD4 T Cells Restores Cognate T Cell Helper Function and Enhances Antibody Production in Mice
Authors: Perkey Eric , Miller Richard A. , Garcia Gonzalo G. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Previous in vitro studies showed that CD4 T cells from old mice have defects in TCR signaling, immune synapse formation, activation, and proliferation. We reported that removing a specific set of surface glycoproteins by ex vivo treatment with O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase (OSGE) can reverse many aspects of the age-related decline in CD4 T cell function. However, the specific mechanism by which this process occurs remains unclear, and it is unknown whether this enzymatic treatment can also restore important aspects of adaptive immunity in vivo. By using an in vivo model of the immune response based on adoptive transfer of CD4 T cells from pigeon cytochrome C–specific transgenic H-2(k/k) TCR-Vα11Vβ3 CD4+ mice to syngeneic hosts, we demonstrate that aging diminishes CD28 costimulatory signals in CD4 T cells. These age-associated defects include changes in phosphorylation of AKT and expression of glucose transporter type I, inducible T cell costimulatory molecule, and CD40L, suggesting that the lack of CD28 costimulation contributes to age-dependent loss of CD4 function. All of these deficits can be reversed by ex vivo OSGE treatment. Blocking B7–CD28 interactions on T cells prevents OSGE-mediated restoration of T cell function, suggesting that changes in surface glycosylation, including CD28, may be responsible for the age-related costimulation decline. Finally, we show that the age-related decline in CD4 cognate helper function for IgG production and long-term humoral immunity can also be restored by OSGE treatment of CD4 T cells prior to adoptive transfer.
Lymphopenia-Driven Homeostatic Regulation of Naive T Cells in Elderly and Thymectomized Young Adults
Authors: Sauce Delphine , Larsen Martin , Fastenackels Solène , Roux Antoine , Gorochov Guy , Katlama Christine , Sidi Daniel , Sibony-Prat Joyce , Appay Victor 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Reduced thymopoiesis and continuous mobilization of naive T cells into the effector–memory pool can lead to severe alterations of the naive T cell compartment. However, maintenance of the naive T cell population is essential to mount effective immune responses. Evidence of homeostatic regulation of naive T cells is currently debated in animal models. In humans, the situation remains unresolved, in particular with advanced age. In this study, we analyzed the CD4+ and CD8+ naive T cell compartments from elderly, young adults thymectomized during early childhood, and HIV-1–infected patients, which are characterized by T lymphocytopenia. We show a direct association between increased turnover and decreased frequency of naive T cells. Moreover, the IL-7–induced pathway was fully functional in naive T cells from elderly and young adults thymectomized during early childhood, who are characterized by elevated IL-7 plasma levels. Our findings support the establishment of homeostatic regulation of naive T cell proliferation in humans. This regulation is particularly active in lymphopenic hosts, such as elderly and thymectomized patients.
IPS-1 Signaling Has a Nonredundant Role in Mediating Antiviral Responses and the Clearance of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Demoor Tine , Petersen Bryan C. , Morris Susan , Mukherjee Sumanta , Ptaschinski Catherine , De Almeida Nagata Denise E. , Kawai Taro , Ito Toshihiro , Akira Shizuo , Kunkel Steven L. , Schaller Matthew A. , Lukacs Nicholas W. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The cytosolic RNA helicases melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 and retinoic acid–inducible gene-I and their adaptor IFN-β promoter stimulator (IPS-1) have been implicated in the recognition of viral RNA and the production of type I IFN. Complementing the endosomal TLR, melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5, and retinoic acid–inducible gene-I provides alternative mechanisms for viral detection in cells with reduced phagocytosis or autophagy. The infection route of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—via fusion of virus particles with the cell membrane—points to IPS-1 signaling as the pathway of choice for downstream antiviral responses. In the current study, viral clearance and inflammation resolution were indeed strongly affected by the absence of an initial IPS-1–mediated IFN-β response. Despite the blunted inflammatory response in IPS-1–deficient alveolar epithelial cells, pulmonary macrophages, and CD11b+ dendritic cells (DC), the lungs of RSV-infected IPS-1–knockout mice showed augmented recruitment of inflammatory neutrophils, monocytes, and DC. Interestingly, pulmonary CD103+ DC could functionally compensate for IPS-1 deficiency with the upregulation of certain inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, possibly via TLR3 and TLR7 signaling. The increased inflammation and reduced viral clearance in IPS-1–knockout mice was accompanied by increased T cell activation and IFN-γ production. Experiments with bone marrow chimeras indicated that RSV-induced lung pathology was most severe when IPS-1 expression was lacking in both immune and nonimmune cell populations. Similarly, viral clearance was rescued upon restored IPS-1 signaling in either the nonimmune or the immune compartment. These data support a nonredundant function for IPS-1 in controlling RSV-induced inflammation and viral replication.
Suppression of Vaccine Immunity by Inflammatory Monocytes
Authors: Mitchell Leah A. , Henderson Angela J. , Dow Steven W. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Vaccine adjuvant-induced inflammation augments vaccine immunity in part by recruiting APCs to vaccine draining lymph nodes (LNs). However, the role of one APC subtype, inflammatory monocytes, in regulating vaccine immunity in healthy animals has not been fully examined in detail. Therefore, vaccine-mediated monocyte recruitment and subsequent immune responses were investigated using murine vaccination models and in vitro assays. Recruitment of inflammatory monocytes to vaccine draining LNs was rapid and mediated primarily by local production of MCP-1, as revealed by studies in MCP-1−/− mice. Interrupting monocyte recruitment to LNs by either transient monocyte depletion or monocyte migration blockade led to marked amplification of both cellular and humoral immune responses to vaccination. These results were most consistent with the idea that rapidly mobilized inflammatory monocytes were actually suppressing vaccine responses. The suppressive nature of vaccine-elicited monocytes was confirmed using in vitro cocultures of murine monocytes and T cells. Furthermore, it was determined that inflammatory monocytes suppressed T cell responses by sequestering cysteine, as cysteine supplementation in vitro and in vivo appreciably augmented vaccine responses. These findings indicated, therefore, that vaccination-elicited inflammation, although necessary for effective immunity, also generated potent counter-regulatory immune responses that were mediated primarily by inflammatory monocytes. Therefore, interrupting monocyte-mediated vaccine counterregulatory responses may serve as an effective new strategy for broadly amplifying vaccine immunity.
Antimicrobial Activity of Nanocomposite Zirconium Nitride/Silver Coatings to Combat External Bone Fixation Pin Infections
Authors: Wickens David J. , West Glen , Kelly Peter J. , Verran Joanna , Lynch Stephen , Whitehead Kathryn A. 
Published: November 2012

During external fixation, temporary implants are used to penetrate the skin, muscle and bone to support severely fractured bones. This creates a biologically critical interface at the site of entry, which potentially allows a risk of infection. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate potential antimicrobial nanocomposites to combat infection. Magnetron sputtering was used to produce zirconium nitride/silver nanocomposite coatings, which were prepared at two different silver concentrations of 15.5 at.% and 29.8 at.%. These coatings were characterized for morphology, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity in comparison to pure zirconium nitride and stainless steel. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were used as in vitro test organisms in a range of antimicrobial assays; retention of the bacteria on the surfaces and their survival using LiveDead™ staining; the use of a metabolic redox dye to indicate a contact kill and zone of inhibition assays to indicate leaching of inhibitory silver ions. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated a significant kill when the bacterial cells came in contact with the coatings containing silver at both 15.5 at.% and 29.8 at.%. No inhibitory leaching from the surfaces occurred. These surfaces demonstrate potential for use as antimicrobial fixation pin coatings.
Historical ethnobotanical review of wild edible plants of Estonia (1770s–1960s)
Authors: Kalle Raivo , Sõukand Renata 
Published: November 2012

This paper is a historical ethnobotanical review of wild plants used by the residents of present day Estonia during the 1770s–1960s. Twenty two sources addressing historical ethnographical accounts of the use of wild food plants were analysed. The use of 147 taxa of vascular plants (over 6% of Estonian vascular flora) and two lichens has been recorded. Although the data does not allow for reliable determination of the frequency of use of specific taxa among the population, general conclusions on the preferences for specific dishes made of wild food plants can be made. While the category of snacks covers the largest proportion of species used, a substantial addition to food rations was provided by bread ingredients (used predominantly in famine times), green vegetables used for making soup, and later jams and other dishes of wild berries. Also beverages (tea and coffee substitutes), beer and beer-like drinks were widely made, and the saps of several tree species were consumed in fresh and fermented form. The most important species, according to the criterion of diversity of use, were <em>Carum carvi</em>, <em>Urtica dioica</em>, and the wild berries <em>V</em><em>ac</em><em>cinium vitis-idaea </em>and <em>Vaccinium myrtillus</em>.
Increased Risk of Arthropathies and Joint Replacement Surgery in Patients With Genetic Hemochromatosis: A Study of 3,531 Patients and Their 11,794 First‐Degree Relatives
Authors: Elmberg Maria , Hultcrantz Rolf , Simard Julia F. , Carlsson Åke , Askling Johan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveGenetic hemochromatosis (GH) is an autosomal recessive disease in individuals of Northern and Western European descent. Heterozygosity for the C282Y mutation is common (6–20%). Arthropathy is one of the few complications of GH suggested not to be associated with iron body stores; synovial iron deposition remains in iron‐depleted patients. Previous studies suggest an elevated prevalence of clinical and radiographic signs of arthropathy in patients with GH, and 2 smaller studies suggest a possibly elevated risk of joint replacement surgery, but more mixed results are shown regarding risks with HFE genotype. We therefore assessed the risks of arthropathy and joint replacement surgery in patients with GH and in their first‐degree relatives (FDRs).MethodsWe performed a population‐based cohort study of 3,531 patients with GH and of their 11,794 FDRs (assumed to be heterozygous for the C282Y mutation) using nationwide Swedish population‐based health and census registers. Hazard ratios (HRs) of arthropathies and joint replacement surgeries among patients and their FDRs (versus the general population) were assessed using Cox regression.ResultsBetween 1997 and 2005, 406 of 3,531 patients were reported/hospitalized with any noninfectious arthropathies, including osteoarthritis, corresponding to an HR of 2.38 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.14–2.64). Patients were also at increased risk of hip replacement (HR 2.77, 95% CI 2.27–3.38) and knee replacement (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.58–2.88) surgery. Among the 11,794 FDRs (patients excluded), we found no increased risk of any of the joint morbidities.ConclusionPatients with GH, but not their FDRs, are at increased risk of arthropathies, including the need for joint replacement surgery.