bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Involvement in Adult Polymyositis or Dermatomyositis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lu Zhang , Guo‐chun Wang , Li Ma , Ning Zu 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:To investigate the clinical features of cardiac involvement in polymyositis (PM) or dermatomyositis (DM).Hypothesis:More attention will be focused on the heart in PM/DM as we would have wished, which contribute to improve the prognosis.Methods:All articles published in English were retrieved by searching MEDLINE via PubMed (1975–2011). After selecting eligible articles according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a systemic review was carried out.Results:A total of 26 articles were included in this study, which included 1530 patients. The incidence of cardiac involvement was 9% to 72%. Heart failure was the most frequent (32% to 77%) clinical symptom. Among the abnormal electrocardiogram and ultrasonic cardiogram, the incidence of conduction abnormalities, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and hyperkinetic left ventricular contraction were 25% to 38.5%, 42%, and 6% to 12%, respectively. The pathologic findings revealed myocardial inflammation, degenerative changes and necrosis similar to that in skeletal muscles. Cardiac manifestations of some patients improved after glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant treatment. Thirty‐seven patients (46.3%) died as a direct result of heart disease.Conclusions:Heart abnormalities are frequent in patients with PM/DM, most of which were subclinical. The efficacy of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants is uncertain. Cardiac involvement is a common cause of death. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 doi: 10.1002/clc.22026The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Based on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon and an Ionic‐Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Guang , Wang Xiqing , Mayes Richard T. , Dai Sheng 
Published: July 2012

AbstractNitrogen‐doped mesoporous carbon (NC) and sulfur were used to prepare an NC/S composite cathode, which was evaluated in an ionic‐liquid electrolyte of 0.5 M lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) in methylpropylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide ([MPPY][TFSI]) by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cycle testing. To facilitate the comparison, a C/S composite based on activated carbon (AC) without nitrogen doping was also fabricated under the same conditions. Compared with the AC/S composite, the NC/S composite showed enhanced activity toward sulfur reduction, as evidenced by the lower onset sulfur reduction potential, higher redox current density in the CV test, and faster charge‐transfer kinetics, as indicated by EIS measurements. At room temperature under a current density of 84 mA g−1 (C/20), the battery based on the NC/S composite exhibited a higher discharge potential and an initial capacity of 1420 mAh g−1, whereas the battery based on the AC/S composite showed a lower discharge potential and an initial capacity of 1120 mAh g−1. Both batteries showed similar capacity fading with cycling due to the intrinsic polysulfide solubility and the polysulfide shuttle mechanism; capacity fading can be improved by further cathode modification.
A process‐based hypothesis for the barchan–parabolic transformation and implications for dune activity modelling
Authors: Barchyn Thomas E. , Hugenholtz Chris H. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe introduction of vegetation to bare barchan dunes can result in a morphological transformation to vegetated parabolic dunes. Models can mimic this planform inversion, but little is known about the specific processes and mechanisms responsible. Here we outline a minimalist, quantitative, and process‐based hypothesis to explain the barchan–parabolic transformation. The process is described in terms of variations in the stabilization of wind‐parallel cross‐sectional dune slices. We hypothesize that stabilization of individual ‘dune slices’ is the predictable result of feedbacks initiated from colonization of vegetation on the slipface, which can only occur when slipface deposition rates are less than the deposition tolerance of vegetation. Under a constant vegetation growth regime the transformation of a barchan dune into a parabolic dune is a geometric response to spanwise gradients in deposition rates. Initial vegetation colonization of barchan horns causes shear between the anchored sides and the advancing centre of the dune, which rotates the planform brinkline angle from concave‐ to convex‐downwind. This reduces slipface deposition rate and allows vegetation to expand inward from the arms to the dune centre. The planform inversion of bare barchans dunes into vegetated parabolic dunes ultimately leads to complete stabilization. Our hypothesis raises several important questions for future study: (i) are parabolic dunes transitional landforms between active and vegetation‐stabilized dune states? (ii) should stabilization modelling of parabolic dune fields be treated differently than linear dunes? and (iii) are stabilized parabolic dune fields ‘armoured’ against re‐activation? Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan dressing promotes healing in third degree burns in mice: Gene expression analysis shows biphasic effects for rapid tissue regeneration and decreased fibrotic signaling
Authors: Baxter Ruth M. , Dai Tianhong , Kimball Jess , Wang Eugenia , Hamblin Michael R. , Wiesmann William P. , McCarthy Simon J. , Baker Shenda M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBurns are a significant health challenge and healing can result in scar formation. Chitosan, a derivative of chitin, has been used to promote wound healing. In this study we used gene expression profiling in a mouse model of full thickness cutaneous burn to assess the benefits of treating with a chitosan lactate dressing. Three days after wounding mice treated with chitosan showed increased expression of genes associated with formation of granulation tissue. At a later time point, seven days after wounding, genes that initially showed increased expression were now down‐regulated, and there was increased expression of genes involved in remodeling suggesting that the chitosan treatment results in accelerated healing. Quantitative RT‐PCR showed modulated mRNA levels for TGFβ1 by the chitosan dressing. TGFβ1 initially promotes healing but extended activity can result in scarring. Importantly we found that expression was elevated at day three, but decreased at day seven suggesting that chitosan treatment will not result in scar formation, and may even be beneficial in preventing scar formation. Additionally, the biphasic regulation of expression of TGFβ1 could be a powerful biomarker for future studies of the wound‐healing potential of chitosan based and other treatments for burn wounds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Human gingival fibroblasts stress response to HEMA: A role for protein kinase C α
Authors: Cataldi Amelia , Zara Susi , Rapino Monica , Patruno Antonia , di Giacomo Viviana 
Published: July 2012

Abstract2‐Hydroxyethil methacrylate (HEMA), component of dentin‐bonding systems, by diffusing into oral cavity induces a cytotoxic response. HEMA determines reactive oxygen species (ROS) production activating specific signaling pathways, including protein kinases C (PKC). In addition, since a regulation is exerted by various PKCs on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation, our aim was to investigate the role of PKCs and the possible interplay with ROS and NO signaling system in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) response to HEMA. Cultured HGFs were exposed to 3 mM (a subtoxic concentration) HEMA for 0, 24, or 96 h. Each experimental point were processed for flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, western blotting, and “in vitro” NOS specific activity analyses. Three millimolar HEMA reduces HGF proliferation less than 50% and increases apoptosis percentage up to 18%. Both ROS production and PKC α expression and activation are also increased 96 h after HEMA exposure. The increased specific activity of iNOS, inflammatory enzyme, accompanied by Bax high expression in HGF response to 96 h HEMA, document the occurrence of an inflammatory and apoptotic response to such agent. Interestingly, a reduced percentage of apoptotic cells and a reduced ROS production are evidenced in the presence of bisindolylmaleide VIII, a PKC α pharmacologic inhibitor. All in all, these results suggest that PKC α can mediate the inflammatory response disclosed by gingival fibroblasts to HEMA released monomers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
In vitro drug release studies from organoclay/poly(dimethyl siloxane) nanocomposite matrices
Authors: Vasilakos S. P. , Tarantili P. A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSilicone elastomers are versatile biomaterials and have been used for fabrication of drug release systems, usually incorporating lipophilic drugs. However, attempts have been made to extend the use of these biomaterials to the delivery of hydrophilic drugs. Furthermore, the need to improve mechanical properties of silicones led, among others, to the incorporation of organoclay nanoparticles and, therefore, has introduced some new parameters to be investigated regarding their effect on the release profile. In this work, the delivery of 2‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole‐1‐ethanol (metronidazole) from nanocomposites with silicone matrix based on condensation cured elastomers with different molecular weights was investigated in various surrounding liquids. The results showed that incorporation of organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT) generally decreases the drug release rate and restricts the initial burst effect. Interestingly, OMMT concentrations of 2 phr in low MW silicone systems seem to enhance drug release and, independently of interpretation, it might indicate a route for the adjustment of diffusivity through the nanoclay concentration. Maximum drug release rates can rather be achieved with low MW PDMS than with the higher MW elastomers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Effects of calcium phosphate endodontic sealers on the behavior of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and MG63 osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Shon Won‐Jun , Bae Kwang‐Shik , Baek Seung‐Ho , Kum Kee‐Yeon , Han Ah‐Reum , Lee WooCheol 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn regard to biological properties of endodontic sealers, there are many characteristics that should be considered. The aim of this study was to examine the biological effects of new calcium phosphate‐based root canal sealers, CAPSEAL I and CAPSEAL II (CPS), on human periodontal fibroblast cells by examining the expression levels of inflammatory mediators and to compare the effects of CPS on the viability and osteogenic potential of human osteoblast MG63 cells compared to those of other commercially available calcium phosphate sealers [Apatite Root Sealer type I (ARS I) and Apatite Root Sealer III (ARS III); Sankin Kogyo, Tokyo, Japan] and a zinc oxide eugenol‐based sealer (Pulp Canal Sealer EWT [PCS EWT]; Kerr, Detroit, MI). The levels of IL‐6 in the new CPS group (CAPSEAL I, II) were higher than those in the control and all experimental groups at all time points after 2 h. TGF‐β1 and FGF‐1 levels decreased at 72 h compared to the levels in the control, in cells treated with every sealers except ARS I. The new CPS sealers showed low cytotoxicity. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that CAPSEAL I, II, and Apatite Root Sealer type III induced expression of early stage markers of differentiation (alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin) at 7 days. Also, new CPS showed higher mineralized nodule formation at 28 days. These results suggest that CAPSEAL I and II facilitate the periapical dentoalveolar and alveolar healing by controlling cellular mediators from PDL cells and osteoblast differentiation of precursor cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MR imaging: Prediction of hepatic fibrosis stages using liver contrast enhancement index and liver‐to‐spleen volumetric ratio
Authors: Goshima Satoshi , Kanematsu Masayuki , Watanabe Haruo , Kondo Hiroshi , Kawada Hiroshi , Moriyama Noriyuki , Bae Kyongtae T. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPurpose:To develop and evaluate a quantitative parameter for staging hepatic fibrosis by contrast enhancement signal intensity and morphological measurements from gadoxetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced MR imaging.Materials and Methods:MR images were obtained in 93 patients; 75 patients had histopathologically proven hepatic fibrosis and 18 patients who had healthy livers were evaluated. The liver‐to‐muscle signal intensity ratio (SIpost = SIliver/SImuscle), contrast enhancement index (CEI = SIpost/SIpre), and liver‐to‐spleen volumetric ratio (VR = Vliver/Vspleen) were evaluated for staging hepatic fibrosis.Results:VR was most strongly correlated with fibrosis stage (7.21; r = −0.83; P < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve demonstrated by linear regression formula generated by VR and CEI in predicting fibrous scores were 100%, 73%, and 0.91, respectively, for the detection of hepatic fibrosis F1 or greater (≥ F1),100%, 87%, and 0.96 for ≥ F2, 74%, 98%, and 0.93 for ≥ F3 and 91%, 100%, and 0.97 for F4.Conclusion:The liver‐to‐spleen volumetric ratio and contrast enhancement index were reliable biomarkers for the staging of hepatic fibrosis on Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MR imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:1148–1153. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The application of quantification techniques in proteomics for biomedical research
Authors: Rodríguez‐Suárez Eva , Whetton Anthony D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe systematic analysis of biological processes requires an understanding of the quantitative expression patterns of proteins, their interacting partners and their subcellular localization. This information was formerly difficult to accrue as the relative quantification of proteins relied on antibody‐based methods and other approaches with low throughput. The advent of soft ionization techniques in mass spectrometry plus advances in separation technologies has aligned protein systems biology with messenger RNA, DNA, and microarray technologies to provide data on systems as opposed to singular protein entities. Another aspect of quantitative proteomics that increases its importance for the coming few years is the significant technical developments underway both for high pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrum devices. Hence, robustness, reproducibility and mass accuracy are still improving with every new generation of instruments. Nonetheless, the methods employed require validation and comparison to design fit for purpose experiments in advanced protein analyses. This review considers the newly developed systematic protein investigation methods and their value from the standpoint that relative or absolute protein quantification is required de rigueur in biomedical research. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 32:1–26, 2013
The increase of pericyte population in human neuromuscular disorders supports their role in muscle regeneration in vivo
Authors: Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Gallardo Eduard , de Luna Noemi , Navas Miquel , Soria Laura , Garibaldi Matteo , Rojas‐García Ricard , Tonlorenzi Rossana , Cossu Giulio , Illa Isabel 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPericytes are periendothelial cells that have been involved in many different functions including a possible role as mesodermal stem/progenitor cells. In the present study we demonstrate that alkaline phosphatase (AP) expression is specific for human muscular pericytes and can be used as a marker to identify them in skeletal muscle biopsies. We studied the pericyte population in skeletal muscle biopsies from controls, myopathic and neuropathic patients. We observed a significant increase in the number of pericytes only in myopathies that correlated with the number of NCAM+ fibres, suggesting that an active muscular degenerative/regenerative process is related to an increase in the pericyte population. AP+ pericytes sorted from skeletal muscle samples were able to activate the myogenic programme and fuse with both mononucleate satellite cells and mature multinucleated myotubes in vitro, demonstrating that they could participate in muscle regeneration. In accordance, pericytes expressing the myogenic transcription factor MyoD were found in biopsies of myopathic biopsies. All these data support the hypothesis that, apart from satellite cells, pericytes may play an important role in muscle regeneration in adult human muscles in vivo. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GEF‐H1 over‐expression in hepatocellular carcinoma promotes cell motility via activation of RhoA signalling
Authors: Cheng Ibis KC , Tsang Bruce CK , Lai Keng Po , Ching Arthur KK , Chan Anthony WH , To Ka‐Fai , Lai Paul BS , Wong Nathalie 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe interstitial chromosome (chr.) 1q21‐q22 region is frequently amplified in human cancers, where it has been reported to carry prognostic significance for patients. We attempted to delineate chr. 1q21‐q22 for affected gene(s) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by array‐CGH and detected copy number gains of ρ‐guanine nucleotide exchange factor‐H1 (GEF‐H1) as most significant event. Gene expression evaluation in the HCC cohort indicated common up‐regulations of GEF‐H1 in 64% tumours compared to adjacent non‐tumoural liver (64/100; paired t‐test p < 0.0001). Moreover, GEF‐H1 over‐expressions correlated with microvascular invasion and advanced‐stage tumours (p < 0.05). High GEF‐H1 levels also predict shorter disease‐free and overall survival of HCC patients (p < 0.03). Functional knock‐down of GEF‐H1 by RNAi indicated marked reduction in cell invasion through matrigel and an inhibition of cell migration (p < 0.035), but an effect on cell viability was not apparent. More interestingly, a mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET) was readily observed in GEF‐H1 knock‐down cells, where a concomitant re‐expression of epithelial markers (E‐cadherin and cytokeratin 18) and cell adhesion proteins (α‐catenin and γ‐catenin) was found but down‐regulation of mesenchymal features (N‐cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin). This phenotype was accompanied by reduced filamentous actin polymerizations and diminution of the stress fibre formation. In addition, reduced active form of GTP‐RhoA, together with its downstream effectors, including cleaved ROCK1 and phosphorylated MLC2, were also detected in GEF‐H1‐depleted cells. Taken together, our findings underscore a potent oncogenic role for GEF‐H1 in promoting the metastatic potentials of HCC, possibly through activation of RhoA signalling and the EMT phenomenon. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of carboxylic acid functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes in polyamide 6/poly(methyl methacrylate) blend
Authors: Madhukar K. , Sainath A.V. Sesha , Rao B. Sanjeeva , Kumar D. Suresh , Bikshamaiah N. , Srinivas Y. , Babu N. Mohan , Ashok B. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe nanocomposite of polyamide 6 (PA6)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/carboxylic acid functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs‐COOH) was prepared in a weight ratio of 49.5/49.5/1 at 230°C by using melt‐mixing method. The PA6/PMMA blend with weight ratio of 50/50 served as reference. The Fourier transform infrared analysis of nanocomposite shows the occurrence of hydrogen‐bonding interactions among PA6, PMMA, and SWCNTs‐COOH. Thermal studies of nanocomposite exhibited higher thermal stability and increased crystallinity of PA6 in nanocomposite compared to the blend. The X‐ray diffraction curve of nanocomposite indicates that the rich αII phase of PA6 was higher compare to the blend. The scanning electron microscope analysis of nanocomposite confirmed that PMMA exhibited as a uniform dispersion and existed as co‐continuous phase morphology in a continuous phase of PA6 compared to the blend. Furthermore, the obtained results suggest that the incorporation of SWCNTs‐COOH into the PA6/PMMA blend enhances the compatibility as a compatibilizer between the two polymer components. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dependence of dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties on crystalline properties of p(VDF‐co‐TrFE) copolymers
Authors: Xia Weimin , Xu Zhuo , Zhang Qiuping , Zhang Zhicheng , Chen Yuanqing 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThermal processing at various temperatures has been used to fabricate poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐co‐TrFE)] films with varied crystalline properties in an attempt to improve their piezoelectric properties. Although the dielectric constant of the films annealed at higher temperature is smaller than that of cooled and quenched ones, it has been shown that the annealed films possess larger crystallinity and stacked lamellar crystal grain size. The ferroelectric domains deriving from crystal region in all the samples are effectively improved by hot polarization. As a result, the remnant polarizations (Pr) and coercive electric field (Ec) of the corresponding films are improved at a low frequency due to the response of dipoles in crystal phase, and the largest piezoelectric constant in the longitudinal thickness mode (d33=−25 pC/N) is obtained in an annealed copolymer film. The results illustrate improving the crystal structure of P(VDF‐co‐TrFE) is an effective way to realize high electromechanical properties, which provides broadly applied scenery for this kind of copolymer in piezoelectric components. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Adjustment and support needs of glioma patients and their relatives: serial interviews
Authors: Cavers Debbie , Hacking Belinda , Erridge Sara C. , Morris Paul Graham , Kendall Marilyn , Murray Scott A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo understand factors influencing the process of adjustment to a diagnosis of glioma.MethodsTwenty‐six patients and 23 relatives took part in 80 in‐depth qualitative interviews conducted at five key stages: before formal diagnosis, at start of treatment, on completion of treatment, 6 months post treatment, and post bereavement.ResultsHigh levels of distress were reported, particularly preceding and following diagnosis. Many participants described lack of specific information in the early part of their illness and a lack of clarity about what was wrong and what was going to happen next. They often desired more procedural information, as well as information about their condition and treatments available, although there was variation in the timing of when people were ready to hear this. Receiving reassurance and support was essential to patients and their relatives to help them come to terms with their illness. This need was particularly acute during the early phase of the illness when distress and uncertainty were at a peak and lessened over time as people adjusted to their illness.ConclusionsOffering suitable information about what to expect early and frequently in a supportive way is much appreciated by patients. There is an important balance between ensuring that patients and their families are fully informed and fostering adaptive coping that allows for hope. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.